Scalise, Eshoo Announce Agreement on Overhaul of the Television Marketplace

WASHINGTON, D.C.—House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) and Congresswoman Anna G. Eshoo (D-Calif.) today agreed to a legislative framework to overhaul the outdated laws governing the television marketplace. In the coming weeks, Whip Scalise and Congresswoman Eshoo will introduce legislation to protect consumers and eliminate regulations that cause broadcast TV blackouts.

"I am pleased to be working with Congresswoman Eshoo on this important legislation that will advance our shared priority of modernizing our video laws so that they actually work for consumers," said Whip Scalise. "Our legislation will allow for greater competition in the marketplace and will empower consumers with more freedom to watch their favorite programming. This is a positive step forward, and I look forward to unveiling our bipartisan legislation to our colleagues in the coming weeks."

"In the last five years, the number of broadcast blackouts has doubled, and consumers are paying more than ever for TV programming," said Rep. Eshoo. "The system today leaves consumers being held hostage to blackouts due to disputes between companies. Our bipartisan approach will eliminate blackouts and stem the rising costs. I'm pleased that Whip Scalise and I have found common ground to protect consumers and promote innovation."