LTVS Helps Confused Satellite Subscribers

Local TV on Satellite (LTVS) was featured on WRAL-TV on Thursday, February 4, 1999 to help clear up some confusing issues about satellite dishes and service. Amanda Lamb interviewed John Hutchinson, Executive Vice President and COO of LTVS on the 6:00 news, which helped get LTVS in the spotlight in the triangle area. WRAL has received over 1,000 letters from satellite dish owners asking for a waiver so they can receive local programming, and this interview helped to give some incentive to those viewers. Amanda said she received e-mail for two days as well as several calls, asking questions and inquiring about LTVS. They were happy to know that there was an option and a possible solution coming soon. LTVS has also had several articles written in industry magazines within the past few months, including Television Digest, Satellite Business News, Broadcasting & Cable, and one coming out soon in the DBS Investor.

LTVS is also following three legislation bills in Washington, DC. In case you would like to follow along, we are following the Hatch bill S.247, the Burr bill H.R. 89 (SALSA) and the McCain bill S.303. The McCain bill S.303 is set up for hearing on Tuesday, February 23. The Hatch S.247 is scheduled for mark up the week of February 22. We are expecting the introduction of a House Judiciary bill sometime the week of February 22, with the hearing scheduled for February 25. On WRAL-TV's Saturday program, 30 Minutes, the local-to-local issue was covered and included clips from Hutch's interview. Wade Hargrove, NC's National Association of Broadcasters' attorney, was the guest, and he indicated that satellite legislation would be passed within the next 60 to 75 days.