Markey to help public TV get satellite carriage

Rep. Edward Markey, (D-MA), a House leader on television issues, has urged DIRECTV and EchoStar Communications to carry the multiple signals that public TV stations will offer after converting to digital.

Neither satellite operator has committed to carrying the channels, but major cable operators have agreed to do so.

During a speech last week to the Association of Public Television Stations, Markey said he is eager to see a similar agreement reached with the direct-broadcast satellite (DBS) providers.

As the new chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Telecommunications and the Internet Subcommittee, Markey told the public broadcasters that he is a major advocate for their work and is well positioned to deliver on that promise.