CONGRESSIONAL LEGISLATION AFFECTING BROADCASTERS
112h Congress (2011-2012)
(as of 5/31/2011)

H.R. 68  Prohibit funding of CPB
[Prohibits federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting after the 2013 federal fiscal year]

H.R. 69  Prohibit funding of NPR
[Prohibits federal for National Public Radio beginning in federal fiscal year 2011]

H.R. 1076 Prohibiting funding of NPR
[Prohibits federal for National Public Radio beginning in federal fiscal year 2011

S. 28  “Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act” 
[Would authorize the Federal Communications Commission to reimburse TV broadcasters with proceeds from incentive auctions of voluntarily vacated TV spectrum.  The bill states that the FCC may not reclaim frequencies licensed to “broadcast television or other licensees, directly or indirectly, on an involuntary basis."]

S. 415 “Spectrum Optimization Act”
[Authorizes FCC to promulgate rules for auctions of TV spectrum voluntarily relinquished by TV broadcasters; incentive auction details]

S. 455 “Reforming Airwaves by Developing Incentives and Opportunistic Sharing
(‘RADIOS’) Act’’
[Would require the FCC to conduct a spectrum inventory; authorizes voluntary incentive auctions of spectrum; provides that no licensee is required to participate in a spectrum auction]

S. 522 “Spectrum Relocation Processes”
[Clarifies the rights and responsibilities of Federal entities in the spectrum relocation process]

H.R. 911 “Spectrum Inventory and Auction Act of 2011”
[Authorizes voluntary incentive auctions; requires a spectrum inventory under0taken jointly by the FCC and NTIA]

H.R. 1622 “Spectrum Innovation Act"
[Authorizes the FCC to conduct voluntary incentive auctions of spectrum with a portion of the proceeds shared with the entities that relinquished spectrum; prohibits reclamation of spectrum on an involuntary basis]

S. 911 “SPECTRUM Act”
[Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States develop broadband; allow market forces to ensure optimum usage of spectrum; reform spectrum management practices]

S. 74 “Internet Freedom, Broadband Promotion and Consumer Protection Act of 2011”
[Adds net neutrality requirements to the Communications Act; prime sponsor Sen. Cantwell]

S. Con Res. 6 “Resolution of disapproval of FCC broadband/Internet regulations”
[Disapproves the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission with respect to regulating the Internet and broadband industry practices]

H.R. 642 “The Broadcaster Freedom Act of 2011”
[Would amend the Communications Act to prohibit the FCC from requiring broadcasters to present opposing viewpoints on controversial issues of public importance (“Fairness Doctrine”)]

S. 410 “Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2011”
[Authorizes the presiding judge of a U.S. appellate or district court to permit the photographing, electronic recording, broadcasting or televising to the public of court proceedings with certain restrictions and conditions]

H. Con. Res 21 “Supporting the Local Radio Freedom Act”
[Declares that Congress should not impose any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge relating to the public performance of sound recordings on a local radio station for broadcasting sound recordings over-the-air, or on any business for such public performance of sound recordings]

S. Con. Res 7 “Supporting the Local Radio Freedom Act”
[Declares that Congress should not impose any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge relating to the public performance of sound recordings on a local radio station for broadcasting sound recordings over-the-air, or on any business for such public performance of sound recordings]

H.R. 1009 “Federal Communications Collaboration Act”
[Would permit three or more FCC Commissioners to hold nonpublic, collaborative discussions so long as no action is taken and at least one member of each political party is present.]

S. 611 “Technical Resources to FCC Commissioners”
[Creates a fourth advisory position for FCC Commissioners requiring electrical engineering or computer science expertise.]

S. 750 “Fair Elections Now Act”
[Would establish a voucher system for candidates for general election political broadcast advertising.  The vouchers would not be funded by a spectrum or other fee on broadcasters; provides national parties with LUC when the party advertising is in connection with a candidate’s campaign; makes candidate time non-pre-emptible; reduces the amount charged for candidates participating in the program to no more than 80% of LUC; requires the FCC to create a standardized form for station reporting the purchase of time by candidates

OTHER CONGRESSIONAL ISSUES (no legislation at this time)