OFFICE OF
TH E CHAI RMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
February 28, 2011
The Honorable Mike Ross
U.S. House ofRepresentatives
2436 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Ross:
Thank you for your comments in the Commission's proceedings to implement the
Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act of2010 (STELA). I share your concern that
some satellite television consumers in Arkansas and other states may not have access to
programming that originates from television stations licensed to communities in their states.
Federal law - even following passage of STELA - requires that satellite television
carriers use the Designated Market Area (DMA) as defined by the Nielsen Company to
determine which television stations to include in their local programming packages.
Recognizing that this requirement may limit the availability of in-state programming to some
consumers, however, STELA directs the Commission to prepare a report that, among other
things, examines whether there are alternatives to use ofNielsen DMAs. The Commission
issued a Public Notice on November 23,2010, seeking public input for this report. The
Commission is required to submit its findings to Congress in August 2011. I am enclosing a
copy ofthe Public Notice for your information, and will ensure that your letter is included in the
record ofthis proceeding.
Also on November 23, the Commission adopted a Report and Order implementing
provisions of STELA designed to make the carriage of "significantly viewed" out-of-market
stations easier for satellite television providers. I am hopeful that in the wake ofthis Order,
satellite carriers will expand the availability ofsignificantly viewed television signals to
consumers. In Arkansas, station KATV-DT (ABC), Little Rock, is deemed to be significantly
viewed and eligible to be provided to satellite consumers in Union county.
I appreciate your interest in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if
I may be offurther assistance.
Sincerely,
Julius Genachowski
Enclosure