scon R. TIPTON
3RO DISTRICT, COLORAOO
218 CANNON HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
(202) 225-4761
AGRICULTURE
NATURAL RESOURCES
SMAll BUSINESS
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February 16, 20 II
Julius Genachowski
Chainnan
Federal Communications Commission
445 12
th
Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554
Dear Chairman Genachowski,
We are writing regarding the two orphan counties in Colorado, Montezuma and La Plata. These
two counties arc currently denied the ability to obtain in-state broadcasts due to the existing
inflexibility and structure of the Designated Market Areas (DMA). As the FCC commences its
investigation on the subject oforphan counties, we write to express our commitment to secure
the citizens ofthese counties the ability to view local and state programming including, but not
limited to, news, weather and public emergency notifications. This issue is critical to the
residents ofthese counties, as their inability to receive local and state broadcasts has rendered
them isolated from their native state.
During the last three years, this bipartisan matter has garnered both the support of the Colorado
Congressional Delegation and the State of Colorado. In 2008 and 20 I0, the Colorado State
Legislature passed resolutions urging the FCC and the federal government to address the
longstanding issue oforphan counties in Colorado. Now more than ever, we are dedicated to
working with you and others to find a reasonable solution that provides the residents ofthese two
counties access to Colorado programming in addition to the programming they are already
recelvmg.
We thank you in advance for taking the time to consider these comments. Given the seriousness
of this issue, it is our hope the FCC will address this matter in an expeditious and pragmatic
manner.
Sincerely,
M
Mark Udall
United States Senator
Michael Bennet
United States Senator
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Cor ardner
Member of Congress
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DIana DeGette
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