[Satellite TODAY 05-14-10] The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act of 2010 (STELA) May 12, renewing laws that govern the retransmission of broadcast television content by satellite companies.
    The bill renews for five years statutory licenses that allow satellite TV companies to retransmit broadcast stations to their customers for five years. The licenses had been set to expire at the end of May, and the bill also includes measures to modernize and simplify license processes and encourage satellite providers to make more local content available.
    U.S. satellite pay-TV operator Dish Network hailed the bill’s passage. “Dish Network congratulates Congress on passing [STELA], clearing the way for Dish Network to become the first pay-TV provider to make local broadcast stations available in every television market in the United States,” the company said in a statement.
    The legislation now moves to President Obama’s desk for signing.

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