In November 1999, Congress passed and the President signed the Satellite
Home Viewer Improvement Act (P.L. 106-113). The law provides consumers more
access to network television stations via satellite by allowing satellite
companies to retransmit a local network signal back into the same local
market area. Concerned that satellite companies do not plan to offer local-
into-local throughout the country, Congress passed the Launching Our
Communities Access to Local Television Act, part of P.L. 106-553 in 2000.
It creates a loan guarantee program that some hope will ensure consumers in
rural markets receive local network TV stations via satellite or other
technologies. This report summarizes provisions of both Acts and provides
an overview of continuing issues as the Acts are implemented.
