Cliff Stearns: “Further I would like to state that broadcast stations are important sources of local news, public affairs programming…”

“Further I would like to state that broadcast stations are important sources of local news, public affairs programming, and other local broadcast services. This category of service should be an important part of the public interest determination to be made by the Commission when deciding whether a broadcast renewal application shall be granted by the Commission. To prevent local television broadcast signals from being subject to noncarriage or repositioning by cable television systems and those providing cable services, we must recognize and reaffirm the importance of mandatory carriage of local commercial television stations, as implemented by Commission rules and regulations. The following is the understanding and agreement referred to in the colloquy between Representative Fields and Representative Stearns: The conference report directs the FCC to conduct a rulemaking proceeding to determine whether to retain, modify or eliminate its duopoly rule, which prevents ownership of more than one television station in a market. Since the rule was last revised, the local media marketplace has undergone a breathtaking transformation.”