In this Report, the Media Bureau analyzes the issues raised in Section 109 of the STELA Reauthorization Act of 2014 (STELAR) concerning access to out-of-market stations and methods to foster increased localism in counties served by out-of-state designated market areas.  Specifically, this Report:  (1) examines the extent to which consumers in local markets have access to broadcast programming from television stations located outside of their local market; (2) assesses whether there are any technologically or economically feasible alternatives to the use of designated market areas to define markets that would provide consumers with greater programming options and the potential impact of alternatives on localism and on broadcast television locally, regionally, and nationally; and (3) includes a discussion of recommendations that might foster increased localism in counties served by out-of-state designated market areas. 

Pursuant to Section 109(a)(1)(A) of the STELAR, the tables in the Appendices below identify, in each designated market area, the out-of-market broadcast stations available over the air or carried by DBS, cable, and telephone MVPDs, and the number of consumers that have access to such out-of-market broadcast stations through any of these distribution means.

6/3/16
2016 STELAR Section 109 Report to Congress
Report: Word | Acrobat

Appendix A – Over-the-Air Reception of Out-of-Market Stations

List 1:  DMAs with Reception of Full Power Out-of-Market Signal Counts

List 2:  Counties with Reception of Full Power Out-of-Market Signal Counts

List 3:  Counties with No Reception of Full Power Out-of-Market Signals

List 4:  DMAs with Reception of Low Power Out-of-Market Signal Counts

List 5:  All Full Power Out-of-Market Signals Received, By DMA and County

List 6:  All Low Power Out-of-Market Signals Received, By DMA and County

List 7:  Counties with Reception of Low Power Out-of-Market Signal Counts

List 8:  Counties with No Reception of Low Power Out-of-Market Signals

Appendix B – DBS Carriage of Certain Out-of-Market Signals

List 1:  Significantly Viewed Stations Carried by DIRECTV

List 2:  Short Market Stations Carried by DIRECTV and DISH Network

List 3:  Stations Carried by DIRECTV and DISH Network Pursuant to 17 U.S.C. § 122(a)(4)

List 4:  Non-commercial Stations Carried by DIRECTV Pursuant to 17 U.S.C. § 122(a)(4)(E)

Appendix C – Viewership of Out-of-Market Signals Based on Nielsen Market Data

Appendix D – Case Studies

 


For more information pertaining to the Industry Analysis Division, please call:  (202) 418-2330.