Federal Communications Commission	"FCC  XX-XXX"


STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER MICHAEL O’RIELLY

Re: 	Streamlined Reauthorization Procedures for Assigned or Transferred Television Satellite 
Stations; Modernization of Media Regulation Initiative, MB Docket Nos. 18-63 & 17-105, Report and Order

This item rightfully proposes to streamline costly, lengthy applications for reauthorizing broadcast satellite waivers when a satellite station is assigned or transferred.  The fact is that satellite stations are generally located in rural or economically troubled areas, and any excessive filings or unnecessary paperwork create a disincentive to invest in these stations.  Ultimately, this item will save significant resources for both affected broadcasters and the Commission.  

In adopting last year’s NPRM, I worked to add questions on streamlining the waiver reauthorization process for satellite stations in the event of changes to their parent stations.  Under this item, I am pleased to see this view prevail and that these stations can now benefit from reduced regulatory burdens as well.  As I noted at the time of voting on the NPRM, if the original intent of providing a waiver was to help struggling stations, the condition of the satellite station itself and not the parent station should be our primary focus.



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