A bill to amend the copyright law respecting the limitations on exclusive rights to secondary transmissions; to amend the Communications Act of 1934 respecting retransmission of programs originated by broadcast stations; and for other purposes.

Amends the copyright law to alter the provisions concerning the limitation of exclusive rights concerning secondary transmissions, effective January 1, 1985. Permits the reception of signals by means of the direct reception of a free space radio wave. Permits secondary transmission by a cable system to the public of a primary transmission made by a licensed station if: (1) the cable system is located within the local service area of the primary transmitter; (2) the secondary transmission is of a network television program not available from any television broadcast station located within the local service area served by the cable system; or (3) the cable system serves fewer than 2500 subscribers. Eliminates compulsory licensing for such transmissions.