Number: RS21768
Title: Satellite Television: Reauthorization of the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act (SHVIA)Background and Key Issues
Authors: Marcia S. Smith, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: In November 2004, Congress passed the Satellite Home Viewer Extension and Reauthorization Act (SHVERA) as part of the FY2005 Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 4818, P.L. 108-447). SHVERA extends and expands upon provisions in the 1999 Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act (SHVIA) that regulate the satellite television (TV) industry. Among the more controversial provisions were extension of a copyright law provision that allows TV companies to provide distant network signals to subscribers who cannot receive broadcast network television signals via over-the-air television antennas, the creation of analogous digital white areas as the TV industry transitions to digital signals, and whether to require satellite companies to offer all local network TV stations on a single dish. CRS Report RS21990 explains SHVERAs digital white area provisions in more detail.
Pages: 6
Date: January 5, 2005