scon R. TIPTON
3AO DISTRICT, COLORADO
21a CANNON HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
(202) 225-4761
AGRICULTURE
NATURAL RESOURCES
SMALL BUSINESS
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February 16,2011
Julius Genachowski
Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
445 12'h Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554
Dear Chairman Genachowski,
I am writing to provide support for my constituents in Southwest Colorado, specifically
Montezuma and La Plata counties. These two "orphan" counties are currently denied the ability
to obtain in-state broadcasts due to the existing inflexibility and structure of the Designated
Market Areas (DMA). As a resident of Montezuma, I can personally attest to the frustration
caused by the inability of the majority of the residents to receive local and State programming.
As the FCC commences its investigation on the subject oforphan counties, I write to confirm my
commitment to secure my constituents residing in these 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 me, as the inability of my constituents to receive local and
state broadcasts has rendered them isolated from their native state.
This is a bipartisan matter that has garnered both the support ofthe Colorado Congressional
Delegation and the State ofColorado. In 2008 and 20 I0, the Colorado State Legislature
passed a resolution urging the FCC and the Federal government to address the longstanding issue
oforphan counties in Colorado. As a former state legislator, I supported the resolution urging
both the FCC and the Federal Government to address this issue. Now more than ever, we must
work together to find a reasonable solution that provides the residents ofthese two counties
access to Colorado programming in addition to the programming they are already receiving.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to consider my comments and this important issue. It is
my hope the FCC will address this matter in expeditious and pragmatic manner.
-::S:::'Q~
Scott Tipton
Member ofCongress
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