Detailed Summary

Satellite Television Modernization Act of 2009 - Removes various exceptions from provisions requiring statutory licensing for a satellite carrier's secondary transmission of a network's primary transmission.

Modifies requirements regarding: (1) determining whether a person resides in an unserved household, including the predictive model to be used; and (2) the submission of subscriber lists by a satellite carrier to networks.

Removes provisions applying statutory licensing to secondary transmission of network or superstation transmissions to a subscriber who resides outside of the station's local market but in a community in which the signal is significantly viewed.

Modifies requirements regarding statutory licensing of retransmissions into a local market.

Increases satellite carrier monetary penalties for individual violations from $5 to $250 and for a pattern of violations from $250,000 to $2.5 million.

Removes provisions applying statutory licensing to secondary transmission of a network or superstation licensed as a low power station to a subscriber in the same local market.

Revises provisions regulating the adjustment of royalty fees.

Modifies the definition of "unserved household."

Revises the limitations on exclusive rights regarding secondary transmissions by satellite carriers in local markets.

Extends until December 31, 2014 (under current law, December 31, 2009), the effectiveness of provisions relating to limitations on exclusive rights regarding secondary transmissions of superstations and network stations for private home viewing.

Modifies provisions relating to statutory licenses for secondary transmissions by cable systems.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 11/10/2009: By Senator Leahy from Committee on the Judiciary filed written report. Report No. 111-98.

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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