Overview

This bill aims to provide greater access to in-state television broadcast programming for cable and satellite subscribers in certain counties, primarily in Wisconsin. The legislation amends the Communications Act of 1934 and Title 17 of the United States Code to allow cable operators and satellite carriers to retransmit in-state, adjacent-market network station signals to subscribers in specified 'covered counties' without counting these retransmissions toward statutory limits. The bill, known as the 'Go Pack Go Act of 2025', seeks to ensure that residents in border counties can access their state's local programming, particularly for sports coverage.

Core Provisions

The bill introduces several key amendments to existing telecommunications law. It defines 'covered counties' as specific counties in Wisconsin that are not in the local market of any television broadcast station. The legislation allows cable operators and satellite carriers to retransmit in-state, adjacent-market network station signals to subscribers in these covered counties without counting against statutory limits. It also deems such retransmissions as fulfilling the obligation to provide local network station signals under existing regulations. The bill introduces definitions for 'local market' and 'local network station' and provides subscribers in covered counties with the option to elect to receive either local network station signals or in-state, adjacent-market network station retransmissions.

Key Points

• Defines 'covered counties' in Wisconsin
• Allows retransmission of in-state, adjacent-market network stations to covered counties
• Exempts these retransmissions from statutory limits
• Deems retransmissions as fulfilling local network station obligations
• Provides subscriber election for signal reception

Legal References

• Communications Act of 1934
• Title 17, United States Code
• Section 119(d) of Title 17, United States Code
• Section 122(j) of Title 17, United States Code
• Section 338 of the Communications Act of 1934
• Section 339 of the Communications Act of 1934
• Section 340 of the Communications Act of 1934

Implementation

The bill does not provide extensive details on implementation mechanisms. It appears that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) would be responsible for overseeing the implementation of these changes, particularly in determining the technical feasibility of satellite carrier retransmissions. The legislation amends existing statutes and regulations, suggesting that current enforcement and compliance structures within the FCC would be utilized. No specific funding mechanisms or reporting requirements are outlined in the available information.

Impact

The primary beneficiaries of this legislation would be cable and satellite subscribers in the specified Wisconsin counties, who would gain greater access to in-state television programming. This could particularly impact access to local sports coverage, such as Green Bay Packers games, which may have motivated the 'Go Pack Go Act' title. Cable operators and satellite carriers would benefit from increased flexibility in signal retransmission without violating statutory limits. The bill could potentially increase administrative burden for these providers in managing subscriber elections and signal retransmissions. While no specific cost estimates are provided, the impact on providers' operations and potential infrastructure adjustments could have financial implications. The legislation does not appear to include sunset provisions.

Legal Framework

The bill operates within the existing legal framework of telecommunications law, primarily amending the Communications Act of 1934 and Title 17 of the United States Code. It builds upon established concepts of local markets, significantly viewed signals, and retransmission consent. The legislation appears to be grounded in Congress's authority to regulate interstate commerce, particularly in the realm of communications. While the bill focuses on specific counties in Wisconsin, it does not explicitly address preemption of state or local laws. The amendments to federal statutes suggest that implementation and enforcement would fall under the jurisdiction of federal courts and the FCC's regulatory authority.

Critical Issues

Several critical issues may arise from this legislation. There could be concerns about the bill's narrow focus on specific Wisconsin counties, potentially raising questions of equal protection for similar border areas in other states. The impact on local broadcasters' market share and advertising revenue in adjacent markets might face opposition. Implementation challenges could include technical feasibility issues for satellite carriers in providing the required retransmissions. The bill's interaction with existing retransmission consent agreements and must-carry rules may create complexities in the television broadcast ecosystem. Additionally, there may be concerns about the precedent set by allowing subscribers to receive out-of-market signals, which could have broader implications for the structure of local broadcasting markets.