STELAR

Issued letters to major broadcasters to clarify how they will transition to a “free market.”

Decision on reauthorization of STELAR must be done before the end of the year.

Bipartisan Television Viewer Protection Act now moves on to the Senate.

Mike Doyle (D-Pa.) and Greg Walden (R-Ore.) crafted the bill.

Calls on DirecTV to provide signals for local stations to 12 markets within 120 days.

Would call for a one-year transition period before a free market takes over.

Smith calls recent ads “disingenuous at best, and deceptive at worst.”

Commerce Committee heard from broadcasters and satellite operators about whether or not STELAR should be renewed.

Says thousands of consumers will likely lose access to local channels.

Approved appropriations bill sunsets STELAR, but sees permanent establishment of compulsory licenses in specific markets.