SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE RESOLUTION No. 28

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: MAY 9, 1996

      The Senate Transportation Committee favorably reports Senate Resolution No. 28 with committee amendments.

      As amended, this Senate Resolution urges the New Jersey Congressional Delegation to introduce and support legislation to grant "Must Carry" rights for Low Power Television (LPTV) stations within the State of New Jersey when those stations broadcast local news and community information on a regular basis and to ensure the preservation of LPTV service during and after the transition from analog to digital television.

      LPTV stations provide television coverage of local news and community information. Thee are seven independent licensed LPTV stations and three New Jersey Network (NJN) Low Power Television repeaters on the air in New Jersey and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has authorized the construction of 16 more independent stations and three construction permits for NJN in the State. However, LPTV stations do not enjoy the same right as full power stations to be carried on local cable systems under the Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992. Further, while the FCC is planning the transition from analog to digital television broadcasting, it has not made transitional arrangements for LPTV stations. As such, it is vital that federal legislation be passed granting "Must Carry" rights for LPTV stations for the regions they serve within the State and ensuring the preservation of Low Power Television after the transition to digital broadcasting.

      The committee amended the resolution to clarify and update its provisions.