DENVER – Television broadcasters worry that federal legislation aimed at providing Denver television to Southwest Colorado would do little without a commitment from satellite providers.
Broadcasters say no legislation is even needed to provide so-called “orphan counties” with local network television. They say all it would take is an agreement from the satellite companies to carry network signals.
“The reality is they can bring in those local signals today,” said Justin Sasso, president of the Colorado Broadcasters Association. “We have a letter signed from 11 local stations ... saying, ‘Take our signals, please.’”
There would be stipulations, including stripping certain network content in which there are agreements between networks and broadcasters. But much of the local news content that Southwest Colorado has been craving would be supplied.
“Satellite keeps pushing back, saying it’s technically impossible, which we know that to be a false statement because it’s actually being done,” Sasso said.
U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and Mark Udall, Colorado Democrats, have been pushing aggressively for a legislative fix. Recently, they celebrated the Senate passage of a measure that would help Four Corners residents access Colorado TV news, weather, sports and emergency information.
The bill would allow satellite providers and local broadcasters to petition the FCC to allow residents of orphan counties to receive broadcasts from local, in-state TV stations.
Broadcasters say the legislation amounts to mostly a study without the satellite commitment. The FCC would also study alternatives to designated market areas.
Satellite companies say it’s more complicated than simply carrying network signals. They highlight FCC rules that dictate those guidelines.
