By John Eggerton, Broadcasting & Cable Online, 6-3-19
In a letter to the chair and ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, the Copyright Office has once again recommended that Congress let the satellite compulsory copyright license (STELAR Act) expire, saying the Section 119 copyright license “is more ripe for expiration than ever.”
The act, which allows satellite operators to import distant network-affiliated TV station signals, has to be reauthorized every five years or it sunsets, as it will by the end of this year unless renewed.
The Copyright Office administers the blanket license, and satellite operator payments for it.
National Association of Broadcasters President Gordon Smith is also making the case to Congress for why the STELAR Act should be allowed to sunset, including that edge providers have changed the video marketplace dramatically. » Read More