Us Congress House Bill HB6966

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/24
• Refer: 1/11/24
• Refer: 1/12/24

Caption

Go Pack Go Act of 2024

Impact

If enacted, HB6966 would notably impact television broadcasting regulations, mandating that cable operators and satellite carriers provide their subscribers in designated counties with the option to access both local signals and in-state adjacent-market network signals. This expanded access may benefit viewers who reside in regions that traditionally have limited broadcasting options and help them connect more closely with local events and news segments relevant to their communities, thereby potentially enhancing viewer engagement and satisfaction.

Summary

House Bill 6966, titled the 'Go Pack Go Act of 2024', seeks to amend the Communications Act of 1934 and Title 17 of the United States Code with the purpose of enhancing access to in-state television broadcast programming for cable and satellite subscribers in specific counties in Wisconsin. The bill aims to facilitate the retransmission of local network station signals alongside adjacent market network stations for subscribers in these covered counties, thereby ensuring they have a broader selection of viewing options that are relevant to their locales.

Contention

Discussions around the bill have highlighted differing opinions on the implications of increased retransmissions. Advocates argue that it serves to protect viewers' rights to local content and helps prevent the isolation of subscribers in rural areas from mainstream media. However, potential contention arises regarding the technical feasibility of such retransmission requirements and whether local stations may bear economic burdens to comply with the new regulations, including the impacts on subscription fees and operational logistics for small providers.