By John Eggerton, Broadcasting & Cable Online, 12-10-19

The House has passed a compromise bill, HR 5035, the Television Viewer Protection Act (TVPA), that would make permanent the mandate that broadcasters and MVPDs negotiate in good faith.  That mandate sunsets at the end of the year unless renewed.  But the bill does not renew the compulsory license, which also sunsets at the end of the year if not renewed.

That license allows satellite operators to import distant TV network affiliate stations to markets where they are not available and to truckers and RV’ers and tailgaters.

The TVPA passed on suspension, which is reserved for noncontroversial items.  And while its co-sponsors, House Communications Subcommittee chairman Mike Doyle (D-Pa.) and House Energy & Commerce Committee ranking member Greg Walden (R-Ore.) each got 20 minutes to speak on the bill, they only used a minute or so each before urging their colleagues to pass it, which they did on a voice vote, and the Senate to follow suit.  » Read More