[Satellite TODAY 12-07-09] The U.S. House of Representatives has passed an updated version of HR 3750, commonly known as the Satellite Reauthorization Bill, Congress announced Dev. 4.
    The bill, which upon signing was renamed the Satellite Home Viewer Reauthorization Act, reauthorizes the license for satellite companies to carry distant network affiliate TV station signals. The bill also requires broadcasters to deliver local broadcasts to all 210 designated markets areas across the United States and imposes harsher penalties for any future problems, and requires pay-TV providers to deliver high-definition station signals by 2011. The new deadline replaces the U.S. Federal Communications Commission‘s 2013 deadline.
    DirecTV applauded the bill’s signing in a statement released Dec. 4. Dish Network, which could not be reached for comment on this story, told Congress that it could not meet the new scheduled HD deadline.
    Similar legislation must now pass the U.S. Senate, which is expected to review the bill in 2010.