A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to provide for fair marketing practices for certain encrypted satellite communications.
Satellite Television Fair Marketing Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the encryption of satellite delivered public broadcasting service television programming unless at least one clear, unencrypted national satellite transmission feed of such programming is maintained. Prohibits the encryption of satellite delivered armed forces radio and television service programming unless required under contractual agreements.
Requires anyone who encrypts satellite delivered programming for private viewing to: (1) make it available for private viewing by home satellite antenna users; (2) establish reasonable character and financial criteria for distributors of such programming; and (3) not discriminate between distributors for cable television subscribers and distributors for satellite antenna users, or among distributors offering similar distribution services to home satellite antenna users.
Prohibits the manufacture or sale of equipment which enables the reception of encrypted satellite delivered programming without the authorization of the person encrypting such programming.
Provides for the private enforcement of this Act.
Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to undertake a notice of inquiry, conduct a semiannual review, and report to the Congress concerning the effect of decoder price and availability on the ability of consumers to receive satellite television programming.
Directs the Federal Trade Commission to investigate the competitiveness of the market for satellite television programming for home satellite antenna owners and, if necessary, to establish remedies to produce a competitive market.
Requires the FCC to initiate a rulemaking to facilitate the provision of network broadcasting signals to persons unable to adequately receive a signal over the air from a local licensee.
Introduced in Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.
Subcommittee on Communications. Hearings held.
Committee on Commerce. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Committee on Commerce. Reported to Senate by Senator Hollings with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 100-272. Additional and minority views filed.
Committee on Commerce. Reported to Senate by Senator Hollings with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 100-272. Additional and minority views filed.
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 516.
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