Congress shouldn’t give any pay-TV provider a leg up on cable by ...

addressed to the heads and ranking members of the House Commerce and Judiciary Committees. ACA members visited lawmakers Wednesday to discuss the Satellite Home Viewer Extension and Reauthorization Act (CD April 29 p6). Changes that lawmakers are considering in reauthorizing the act would allow some viewers to receive broadcasts that are out-of-market but in-state broadcasts, the letter said. That “would be very attractive to consumers who are frustrated with their inability to receive in-state information,” it said. “However, giving satellite TV companies the right to offer enhanced local broadcast service without giving cable companies the same rights would now significantly disrupt the competitive video market Congress has helped create.” Executives of small operators got “very positive feedback” when they offered these views to members of Congress, an ACA spokesman said. The group “is optimistic that Congress will not leave cable customers behind,” he added. DirecTV’s vice president of government affairs, Andrew Reinsdorf, said his company is cooperating with the ACA “on supporting the concept of modest DMA reform.” The company is also working with Rep. Mike Ross, D-Ark., who wants to allow carriers to import distant signals (CD March 31 p9). “There’s no daylight between the cable industry” and DirecTV on the issue, said Reinsdorf. “There never has been.” An NAB spokesman didn’t immediately reply to a message seeking comment. The group has been opposed to changes in broadcast markets.