FCC Begins SHVERA Work

[Gregg Lengling]

The Federal Communications Commission formally began its work on the Satellite Home Viewer Extension and Reauthorization Act (SHVERA) Tuesday, asking for comments on the impact certain commission rules have had on satellite TV and overall competition in the pay-TV market.

The requirement to gauge pay-TV competition is set in the new satellite TV law. In addition to a study, the FCC also must submit a report of its findings to Congress, which is expected to surface in the August/September timeframe.

The specific regulations the FCC study must address include the impact of retransmission consent for local TV stations, network program non-duplication rules, syndicated program exclusivity rules, and sports blackout rules, stated a FCC document outlining the request for comments. The Media Bureau will handle the comments and study.

Initial comments are due March 1, and reply comments are due March 16.

In addition to scrutinizing these rules, SHVERA also authorizes satellite TV to offer distant digital stations and out-of-market significantly viewed local TV stations to subscribers under certain circumstances. The FCC also will tackle the ban on two-dish locals.