WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., issued the following statement applauding the passage of legislation to reauthorize the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act (STELA). The legislation includes an amendment championed by Sens. Booker and Deb Fischer, R-N.E., requiring the Federal Communications Commission to examine media markets and make recommendations on how to improve access to local television programming in areas served by out-of-state media markets:

“I’m proud to have worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on this important legislation that includes a number of provisions to strengthen and invigorate cable, broadcast, and satellite television. Vibrant local programming is essential to communities in New Jersey and across the country. With New Jersey being one of only two states without its own media market, I’m pleased my amendment was included in this reauthorization to evaluate what more can be done to promote local news programming.”

In addition to the Booker-Fischer amendment, the legislation:

  • Reauthorizes STELA for five more years.
  • Adopts new consumer protections in negotiations between broadcast, cable, and satellite providers.
  • Provides more information to consumers about the cost of their cable service.
  • Sets a timeline for repeal of cable set-top box requirements and directs the FCC to establish a working group to make recommendations for a standardized replacement technology.

Sen. Booker serves as a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee which has jurisdiction over telecommunications. He introduced the Let Our Communities Access Local TV Act (LOCAL TV Act) with Sen. Deb Fischer, R-N.E., in July, 2014. Read more about the LOCAL TV Act here.