Summary: Local Emergency Radio Service Preservation Act of 2007 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), consistent with the representations made by digital audio radio satellite service licensees that digital audio radio satellite service would be a national service, to revise its regulations to provide that digital audio radio satellite service (DARSS): (1) licensees shall not provide services that are locally differentiated or that result in programming being delivered to consumers in one geographic market that is different from programming delivered in any other geographic market; and (2) repeaters shall be restricted to simultaneously retransmitting the programming transmitted by satellite directly to DARSS subscribers' receivers. Requires the FCC to complete a rulemaking proceeding to determine whether DARSS licensees should be permitted to provide locally oriented services on nationally distributed channels, taking into account, among other things, the ability of such licensees to afford listeners the same emergency and other information as is afforded listeners of local broadcast stations.

preservation act directs federal_communications_commission fcc consistent representations digital audio radio satellite service licensees digital audio radio satellite service national service revise regulations provide digital audio radio satellite service licensees shall provide services locally differentiated result programming delivered consumers geographic market different programming delivered geographic market shall restricted simultaneously retransmitting programming transmitted satellite directly subscribers receivers requires fcc complete rulemaking proceeding determine licensees permitted provide locally oriented services nationally distributed channels taking account things ability licensees afford emergency information afforded local broadcast stations


Summary: Interference Protection for Existing Television Band Devices Act of 2007 - Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to: (1) permit fixed location, certified unlicensed devices to use, on non-exclusive terms, unassigned, non-licensed television broadcast channels between 54 megahertz and 698 megahertz in rural areas no sooner than February 17, 2009; and (2) protect from harmful interference incumbent certified low-power auxiliary devices providing real-time, high-quality audio transmissions over distances of approximately 100 meters. Allows the FCC to consider permitting the operation of non-fixed (personal/portable) location, certified unlicensed devices to use the non-licensed television broadcast channels between 54 megahertz and 698 megahertz in certain circumstances.

requires federal_communications_commission fcc permit fixed location certified unlicensed devices use non exclusive terms non licensed television broadcast channels megahertz megahertz rural areas sooner february protect harmful interference incumbent certified low power auxiliary devices providing real time high quality audio transmissions distances approximately meters allows fcc consider permitting operation non fixed personal portable location certified unlicensed devices use non licensed television broadcast channels megahertz megahertz certain circumstances


Summary: Access to Language Education Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, to submit a plan to Congress for national distribution of two video programming channels, one providing instruction in English for non-English speaking individuals, the other providing instruction in languages that are not widely taught in U.S. educational institutions and that are likely to have significant value for the United States in global competitiveness, trade, international relations, national security, and defense.

secretary commerce national_telecommunications_and_information_administration submit plan congress national distribution video programming channels providing instruction english non-english speaking individuals providing instruction languages widely taught educational institutions likely significant value united_states global competitiveness trade international relations national security defense


Summary: Re-Channelization of Public Safety Spectrum Act - Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to initiate a rulemaking to rechannelize the public safety spectrum (located in the upper 700 megahertz band) to accommodate commercially available broadband applications.

federal_communications_commission fcc initiate rulemaking public safety spectrum located upper megahertz band accommodate commercially available broadband applications


Summary: Universal Service Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 concerning procedures for the review of universal service requirements to require the Federal-State Joint Board on universal service to complete recommendations for changes to such requirements within 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act. Includes high-speed broadband services within universal service. Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to assess contributions to universal service support mechanisms from communications service providers. Provides support contribution limits. Requires the FCC to revise it's support mechanism for rural, insular, and high cost areas. Requires communications service providers to ensure that all traffic contains or preserves sufficient information to allow traffic identification by other communications service providers that transport or terminate the traffic. Outlines eligibility requirements for communications service providers to receive universal service support. Makes current limitations on universal service support and individual support caps imposed upon carriers inapplicable after the date of enactment of this Act. Requires all residential and business lines served by an eligible telecommunications carrier to be eligible for federal universal service support. Allows states to: (1) adopt regulations not inconsistent with FCC universal service rules; and (2) require communications service providers to contribute regardless of whether the service contains an interstate component.

reform act amends communications act concerning procedures review universal service requirements require universal service complete recommendations changes requirements months date enactment act includes high speed broadband services universal service directs federal_communications_commission fcc assess contributions universal service support mechanisms communications service providers provides support contribution limits requires fcc revise support mechanism rural insular high cost areas requires communications service providers ensure traffic contains preserves sufficient information allow traffic identification communications service providers transport terminate traffic outlines eligibility requirements communications service providers receive universal service support makes current limitations universal service support individual support caps imposed carriers inapplicable date enactment act requires residential business lines served eligible telecommunications carrier eligible federal universal service support allows states adopt regulations inconsistent fcc universal service rules require communications service providers contribute regardless service contains interstate component


Summary: Free Flow of Information Act of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Prohibits a federal entity (an entity or employee of the judicial or executive branch or an administrative agency of the federal government), in any matter arising under federal law, from compelling a covered person to testify or produce any document unless a court makes specified determinations by a preponderance of the evidence, including determinations: (1) relating to exhaustion of alternative sources, (2) that the testimony or document sought is critical; (3) that disclosure of the information source's identity is necessary; and (4) that the public interest in compelling disclosure of the information or document involved outweighs the public interest in gathering or disseminating news or information. Allows a court, in making the last of those determinations, to consider the extent of any harm to national security. Defines "covered person" as a person who regularly gathers, photographs, records, writes, edits, reports, or publishes information concerning matters of public interest for dissemination to the public for a substantial portion of the person's livelihood or substantial financial gain, including a supervisor, employer, parent, subsidiary, or affiliate of such a person. Excludes from that definition foreign powers and their agents and certain terrorist organizations and individuals. Requires the content of compelled testimony or documents to be limited and narrowly tailored. Prohibits construing this Act as applying to civil defamation, slander, or libel claims or defenses under state law. Exempts certain criminal or tortious conduct. (Sec. 3) Applies this Act to communications service providers with regard to testimony or any record, information, or other communication that relates to a business transaction between such providers and covered persons. Sets forth notice requirements. Permits a court to delay notice to a covered person upon determining that such notice would pose a substantial threat to the integrity of a criminal investigation.

free flow information act sec prohibits federal entity entity employee judicial executive branch administrative agency federal government matter arising federal law compelling covered person testify produce document court makes specified determinations preponderance evidence including determinations relating exhaustion alternative sources testimony document sought critical disclosure information source identity necessary public interest compelling disclosure information document involved outweighs public interest gathering disseminating news information allows court making determinations consider extent harm national security defines covered person person regularly gathers photographs records reports publishes information concerning matters public interest dissemination public substantial portion person livelihood substantial financial gain including supervisor employer parent subsidiary affiliate person excludes definition foreign powers agents certain terrorist organizations individuals requires content compelled testimony documents limited narrowly tailored prohibits construing act applying civil defamation slander libel claims defenses state law exempts certain criminal tortious conduct sec applies act communications service providers regard testimony record information communication relates business transaction providers covered persons sets forth notice requirements permits court delay notice covered person determining notice pose substantial threat integrity criminal investigation


Summary: National Digital Television Consumer Education Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require retail distributors of television receiving equipment (TVs) to place adjacent to each unit displayed for sale a consumer alert in English and Spanish that the TV has only an analog broadcast tuner and will require a converter box after February 17, 2009, to receive over-the-air broadcasts with an antenna. Imposes similar requirements on sellers that use direct mail, catalog, or electronic means such as the Internet. Requires broadcaster public service announcements about the deadline for termination of analog TV broadcasting and the equipment options for consumers following such termination. Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create a DTV Transition Federal Advisory Committee to educate the public about the digital television transition. Requires such education to commence by January 1, 2008. Requires the FCC to use funds available for consumer information activities to obtain advertising in public transportation vehicles and facilities to provide information concerning the digital television transition. Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to authorize the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to establish a temporary grant program to coordinate and lead a nationwide consumer education and outreach campaign regarding America's conversion to digital television.

require retail distributors television receiving equipment place adjacent unit displayed sale consumer alert english spanish analog broadcast require converter box february receive air broadcasts antenna imposes similar requirements sellers use direct mail catalog electronic means internet requires broadcaster public service announcements deadline termination analog broadcasting equipment options consumers following termination directs federal_communications_commission fcc create dtv transition federal advisory committee educate public digital television transition requires education commence january requires fcc use funds available consumer information activities obtain advertising public transportation vehicles facilities provide information concerning digital television transition amends national_telecommunications_and_information_administration_organization_act authorize assistant secretary commerce_for_communications_and_information establish temporary grant program coordinate lead nationwide consumer education outreach campaign america conversion digital television


Summary: Local Community Radio Act of 2007 - Repeals provisions in the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001, that required the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to: (1) modify rules authorizing the operation of low-power FM radio stations to prescribe minimum distance separations for third-adjacent channels; (2) prohibit applicants who have engaged in the unlicensed operation of any station from obtaining a low-power FM license; and (3) conduct a program to test whether low-power FM radio stations will result in harmful interference to existing FM radio stations if minimum distance separations for third-adjacent channels are not required. Requires the FCC to modify its rules to eliminate third-adjacent minimum distance separation requirements between specified stations. Requires the FCC to retain rules that provide third-adjacent channel protection for full-power noncommercial FM stations that broadcast radio reading services via a subcarrier frequency from potential low-power FM station interference. Requires the FCC when licensing FM translator stations to ensure: (1) that licenses are available to both FM translator stations and low-power FM stations; and (2) that such decisions are made based on the needs of the local community.

radio act repeals provisions departments_of_commerce justice state judiciary related agencies appropriations act required federal_communications_commission fcc modify rules authorizing operation low power radio stations prescribe minimum distance separations adjacent channels prohibit applicants engaged unlicensed operation station obtaining low power license conduct program test low power radio stations result harmful interference existing radio stations minimum distance separations adjacent channels required requires fcc modify rules eliminate adjacent minimum distance separation requirements specified stations requires fcc retain rules provide adjacent channel protection power noncommercial stations broadcast radio reading services frequency potential low power station interference requires fcc licensing translator stations ensure licenses available translator stations low power stations decisions based needs local community


Summary: Television Freedom Act of 2007 - Requires statutory licensing for a satellite carrier's secondary transmission into a television broadcast station's adjacent market if the satellite carrier also makes secondary transmissions into that adjacent market of the adjacent market's television broadcast stations. Defines "adjacent market," for both commercial and noncommercial television broadcast stations, as a market area adjacent to, and at least partially in the same state as, the designated market area in which the station is located. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to allow such secondary transmissions. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to revise related regulations concerning network nonduplication protection, syndicated exclusivity protection, and sports blackout protection to permit such retransmission.

television freedom act requires statutory licensing satellite carrier secondary transmission television broadcast station adjacent market satellite carrier makes secondary transmissions adjacent market adjacent market television broadcast stations defines adjacent market commercial noncommercial television broadcast stations market area adjacent partially state designated market area station located amends communications act allow secondary transmissions requires federal_communications_commission fcc revise related regulations concerning network protection exclusivity protection sports blackout protection permit retransmission


Summary: Broadcaster Freedom Act of 2007 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), notwithstanding any other provision of any Act, from having the authority to require broadcasters to present opposing viewpoints on controversial issues of public importance, commonly referred to as the Fairness Doctrine.

broadcaster freedom act amends communications act prohibit federal_communications_commission fcc notwithstanding provision act having authority require broadcasters present opposing viewpoints controversial issues public importance commonly referred fairness doctrine


Summary: Transition Education Accountability Report Act of 2007 - Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to report to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the measures taken by the FCC, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and other federal agencies to inform the public of the transition to digital television broadcasting and the termination of analog broadcasting. Requires the FCC to provide for the public dissemination of the report.

requires federal_communications_commission fcc report house_of_representatives committee_on_commerce science transportation_of_the_senate measures taken fcc national_telecommunications_and_information_administration federal agencies inform public transition digital television broadcasting termination analog broadcasting requires fcc provide public dissemination report


Summary: Protecting Children from Indecent Programming Act - Amends the Public Telecommunications Act of 1992 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in applying regulations prohibiting the broadcasting of indecent programming, to maintain a policy that a single word or image may constitute indecent programming.

protecting children indecent programming act amends public telecommunications act require federal_communications_commission fcc applying regulations prohibiting broadcasting indecent programming maintain policy single word image constitute indecent programming


Summary: Voice of Freedom Act of 2007 - Prohibits the Broadcasting Board of Governors from ceasing, degrading, or in any manner limiting the quality or reach of any of its broadcasting activities, including from the Delano Transmitting Station in Delano, California, unless a subsequent Act of Congress that provides for such cessation, degradation, or limitation.

voice freedom act prohibits broadcasting_board_of_governors ceasing degrading manner limiting quality reach broadcasting activities including california subsequent act congress provides cessation degradation limitation


Summary: TV Consumer Freedom Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to allow any cable system or other multichannel video programming distributor to retransmit the signal of a broadcasting station, or any part thereof, only with the express authority of that station (thereby removing authority under current law for such retransmission in the case of the carriage of local television signals by satellite carriers and cable operators). Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to commence a rulemaking proceeding to revise regulations governing the exercise by broadcast stations of the right to grant such consent. Repeals federal provisions requiring cable operators to carry the signals of local commercial television stations and qualified noncommercial educational television stations. Terminates upon the enactment of this Act all FCC regulations requiring television receivers sold in the United States to include particular types of features or functions, or specifying the type of technology to be used to provide such features or functions. Grants a satellite carrier, notwithstanding any injunction issued under specified provisions, a statutory license to provide a secondary transmission of a performance or display of a work embodied in a primary transmission made by a network station.

consumer freedom act amends communications act allow cable system multichannel video programming distributor retransmit signal broadcasting station thereof express authority station removing authority current law retransmission case carriage local television signals satellite carriers cable operators directs federal_communications_commission fcc commence rulemaking proceeding revise regulations governing exercise broadcast stations right grant consent repeals federal provisions requiring cable operators carry signals local commercial television stations qualified noncommercial educational television stations terminates enactment act fcc regulations requiring television receivers sold united_states include particular types features functions specifying type technology provide features functions grants satellite carrier notwithstanding injunction issued specified provisions statutory license provide secondary transmission performance display work embodied primary transmission network station


Summary: Preparing America's Seniors for the Digital Transition Act of 2007 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), commencing not later than January 1, 2008, or 60 days after enactment, to enter into a partnership with the Administration on Aging and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to create a comprehensive nationwide public education campaign that provides information and assistance to older individuals to ensure that such individuals receive uninterrupted television service during the transition from analog to digital television that is to occur on February 17, 2009, and to mitigate the likelihood of success of fraudulent schemes relating to such transition that may target such older individuals. Provides for an advisory board which shall include representatives from minorities, the disabled, non-native English speakers, tribal groups, and other vulnerable populations. Sets forth: (1) public notification (and labeling and advertising, as appropriate) requirements for full power commercial television broadcast licensees, noncommercial broadcasters, multichannel video programming distributors, electronic retailers, and manufacturers; and (2) penalties for noncompliance. Provides for grants for provide public education outreach and installation assistance to older individuals and other vulnerable populations. Amends the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 to revise the program specifications of the digital-to-analog converter box program, including requiring a standard application to receive a coupon.

seniors digital transition act amends communications act require federal_communications_commission fcc commencing later january days enactment enter partnership administration_on_aging national_telecommunications_and_information_administration create comprehensive nationwide public education campaign provides information assistance older individuals ensure individuals receive uninterrupted television service transition analog digital television occur february mitigate likelihood success fraudulent schemes relating transition target older individuals provides advisory board shall include representatives minorities disabled non native english speakers tribal groups vulnerable populations sets forth public notification labeling advertising appropriate requirements power commercial television broadcast licensees noncommercial broadcasters multichannel video programming distributors electronic retailers manufacturers penalties noncompliance provides grants provide public education outreach installation assistance older individuals vulnerable populations amends digital_television_transition_and_public_safety_act revise program specifications digital analog converter box program including requiring standard application receive coupon


Summary: Broadcast Ownership for the 21st Century Act - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to modify current cross-ownership limitations by eliminating provisions limiting the granting or renewal of an AM or FM radio or television broadcast license to any party on the basis of the ownership, operation, or control of a daily newspaper.

21st century act directs federal_communications_commission fcc modify current cross ownership limitations eliminating provisions limiting granting renewal radio television broadcast license party basis ownership operation control daily newspaper


Summary: Satellite Consumers' Access to Public Television Digital Programming Act of 2007 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require a satellite carrier that offers multichannel video programming distribution service to over five million subscribers to retransmit the digital signals of each noncommercial educational television station that is located in any local U.S. market.

amends communications act require satellite carrier offers multichannel video programming distribution service million subscribers retransmit digital signals noncommercial educational television station located local market


Summary: Consumer Freedom of Choice in Cable Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to remove provisions authorizing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), when cable systems with at least 36 channels are available to 70% of U.S. households and are subscribed to by 70% of households to which such systems are available (sometimes referred to as the 70/70 rule), to promulgate additional rules necessary to provide diversity of information sources.

consumer freedom choice cable act amends communications act remove provisions authorizing federal_communications_commission fcc cable systems channels available households households systems available referred rule promulgate additional rules necessary provide diversity information sources


Summary: Performance Rights Act - Amends federal copyright law to: (1) grant performers of sound recordings equal rights to compensation from terrestrial broadcasters; (2) establish a flat annual fee in lieu of payment of royalties for individual terrestrial broadcast stations with gross revenues of less than $1.25 million and for non-commercial, public broadcast stations; (3) grant an exemption from royalty payments for broadcasts of religious services and for incidental uses of musical sound recordings; and (4) grant terrestrial broadcast stations that make limited feature uses of sound recordings a per program license option.Provides that nothing in this Act shall adversely affect the public performance rights or royalties payable to songwriters or copyright owners of musical works.

performance rights act amends federal copyright law grant sound recordings equal rights compensation terrestrial broadcasters establish flat annual fee lieu payment royalties individual terrestrial broadcast stations gross revenues million non commercial public broadcast stations grant exemption royalty payments broadcasts religious services incidental uses musical sound recordings grant terrestrial broadcast stations limited feature uses sound recordings program license option provides act shall adversely affect public performance rights royalties payable copyright owners musical works


Summary: Media Ownership Act of 2007 - Amends the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in changing any of its regulations related to broadcast ownership, to publish notice in the Federal Register for least 90 days, followed by at least 60 days for public comment, followed by at least 30 days to reply to comments. Applies those requirements to any any changes related to broadcast and newspaper ownership made after October 1, 2007. Requires the FCC, before voting on any change in broadcast and newspaper ownership rules, to complete a separate rulemaking to promote the broadcast of local programming and content by broadcasters, including radio and television broadcast stations, and newspapers. Requires the FCC, before issuing a final rule, to: (1) conduct a study on the overall impact of television station duopolies and newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership on the quantity and quality of local news, public affairs, local news media jobs, and local cultural programming at the market level; and (2) publish a proposed final rule at least 90 days before a vote, followed by at least 60 days for public comment, followed by at least 30 days to reply to comments. Requires the FCC to establish an independent panel on increasing the representation of women and minorities in broadcast media ownership and to act on the panel's recommendations before voting on any changes to its broadcast and newspaper ownership rules.

amends telecommunications act require federal_communications_commission fcc changing regulations related broadcast ownership publish notice followed days public comment followed days reply comments applies requirements changes related broadcast newspaper ownership october requires fcc voting change broadcast newspaper ownership rules complete separate rulemaking promote broadcast local programming content broadcasters including radio television broadcast stations newspapers requires fcc issuing final rule conduct study overall impact television station newspaper broadcast cross ownership quantity quality local news public affairs local news media jobs local cultural programming market level publish proposed final rule days vote followed days public comment followed days reply comments requires fcc establish independent panel increasing representation women minorities broadcast media ownership act panel recommendations voting changes broadcast newspaper ownership rules


Summary: Broadcast Licensing in the Public Interest Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require, as a part of broadcast station license renewal, that a station demonstrate it's dedication to civic affairs, local news, local programming, elections, and educational programming for children. Decreases the term of new and renewal licenses from eight to three years.

public interest act amends communications act require broadcast station license renewal station demonstrate dedication civic affairs local news local programming elections educational programming children decreases term new renewal licenses years


Summary: DTV Border Fix Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to allow the renewal of a full-power analog television broadcasting license through February 17, 2014, for stations located within 50 miles of the U.S. border with Mexico, provided certain requirements are met, including that the renewal does not prevent the auction of recovered spectrum or encumber or interfere with any channel reserved for public safety use. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), if mutually exclusive applications are submitted to use a channel under the amendments made by this Act, to award the authority to use the channel through competitive bidding under existing procedures.

dtv border fix act amends communications act allow renewal power analog television broadcasting license february stations located miles border mexico provided certain requirements met including renewal prevent auction recovered spectrum encumber interfere channel reserved public safety use requires federal_communications_commission fcc mutually exclusive applications submitted use channel amendments act award authority use channel competitive bidding existing procedures


Summary: Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require each satellite carrier providing secondary transmissions in the local market of a television broadcast station to carry, on request, the signals of all television broadcast stations located within any local market (currently, located within that local market), subject to existing broadcast signal retransmission consent provisions.

amends communications act require satellite carrier providing secondary transmissions local market television broadcast station carry request signals television broadcast stations located local market currently located local market subject existing broadcast signal retransmission consent provisions


Summary: Wireless Internet Nationwide for Families Act of 2008 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to promote nationwide broadband competition through the use of wireless services by issuing nationwide licenses, for a term of at least 15 years, for two bands of frequencies, each composed of 20 megahertz of unpaired contiguous spectrum, one band under 3 gigahertz and not part of the recovered analog spectrum and the other band between 2155 and 2180 megahertz. Requires licensees, among other things, to offer to consumers and authorized public safety users, without subscription, airtime, usage, or other charges, a data service that is faster than 200 kilobits per second and that has technology that protects underage users from accessing obscene or indecent material. Requires a separate rule-making or other procedures for licensing through auction additional unpaired contiguous spectrum of 20 megahertz below 3 gigahertz, but states that the auction shall be conducted without the conditions specified in the immediately preceding paragraph unless the Commission finds it is in the public interest.

wireless internet nationwide families act amends communications act require federal_communications_commission fcc promote nationwide broadband competition use wireless services issuing nationwide licenses term years bands frequencies composed megahertz contiguous spectrum band gigahertz recovered analog spectrum band megahertz requires licensees things offer consumers authorized public safety users subscription usage charges data service faster second technology protects users accessing obscene indecent material requires separate rule making procedures licensing auction additional contiguous spectrum megahertz gigahertz states auction shall conducted conditions specified immediately preceding paragraph commission finds public interest


Summary: Public Safety Broadband Authorization Act of 2008 - Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to modify the nationwide license issued under the Communications Act of 1934 to the Public Safety Broadband Licensee (PSBL) for the use of the broadband spectrum allocated for public safety services to require, among other things, that the PSBL: (1) collaborate with a commercial entity to establish a nationwide, interoperable broadband public safety communications network; (2) be representative of the public safety community; (3) be nonprofit; and (4) have no participation in its management by commercial interests. Requires the FCC to make grants to the PSBL for administrative and operational costs.

public safety broadband authorization act requires federal_communications_commission fcc modify nationwide license issued communications act use broadband spectrum allocated public safety services require things collaborate commercial entity establish nationwide interoperable broadband public safety communications network representative public safety community nonprofit participation management commercial interests requires fcc grants administrative operational costs


Summary: Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to prescribe a regulation prohibiting advertisements accompanying video programming from: (1) being excessively noisy or strident; (2) having modulation levels substantially higher than the accompanying program; and (3) having an average maximum loudness substantially higher than that of the accompanying program.

commercial advertisement mitigation act directs federal_communications_commission fcc prescribe regulation prohibiting advertisements accompanying video programming excessively having levels substantially higher accompanying program having average maximum substantially higher accompanying program


Summary: Digital Television Coupon Extension Act of 2008 - Amends the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 to require that coupons that can be applied toward the purchase of digital-to-analog converter boxes expire six months (currently, three months) after issuance. Applies the change to coupons issued after enactment of this Act.

amends digital television transition public safety act require coupons applied purchase digital analog converter boxes expire months currently months issuance applies change coupons issued enactment act


Summary: Digital Television Coupon Improvement Act - Amends the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 to require that coupons that can be applied toward the purchase of digital-to-analog converter boxes expire at the close of March 31, 2009. Applies the change to coupons issued after enactment of this Act.

digital television transition public safety act require coupons applied purchase digital analog converter boxes expire close march applies change coupons issued enactment act


Summary: Short-term Analog Flash and Emergency Readiness Act - Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), notwithstanding specified provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 and the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005, to develop and implement a program to provide for the continued broadcasting in the analog television service of specified public safety information and digital television transition information from February 18, 2009, through March 3, 2009.

short term federal_communications_commission fcc notwithstanding specified provisions communications act digital_television_transition_and_public_safety_act develop implement program provide continued broadcasting analog television service specified public safety information digital television transition information february march


Summary: DTV Coupon Assistance Act of 2008 - Allows individual taxpayers a refundable tax credit for $40 for each of their expired digital-to-analog converter box coupons, up to a maximum of $80.

dtv coupon assistance act allows individual taxpayers refundable tax credit expired digital analog converter box coupons maximum


Summary: Radio All Digital Channel Receiver Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require that radios designed to receive both satellite digital radio and terrestrial AM or FM radio broadcasts be capable of receiving and playing digital terrestrial AM or FM broadcasts.

require designed receive satellite digital radio terrestrial radio broadcasts capable receiving playing digital terrestrial broadcasts


Summary: IP-Enabled Voice Communications and Public Safety Act of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Wireless Communications and Public Safety Act of 1999 to impose on IP-enabled voice service providers engaged in interstate or foreign communication a requirement to provide 9-1-1 service, including enhanced 9-1-1 service, to its subscribers. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to issue regulations granting IP-enabled voice service providers right of access to 9-1-1 components that are necessary to provide 9-1-1 service, on the same rates, terms, and conditions that are provided to commercial mobile service providers. Requires the providers to establish a point of contact for public safety and government officials relative to 9-1-1 service and access. Authorizes the FCC to delegate enforcement authority to state agencies or programs with emergency communications jurisdiction. Authorizes the FCC to require any provider of a voice service that is a substitute for telephone exchange service to provide 9-1-1 service, including enhanced 9-1-1 service. (Sec. 3) Requires that, when IP-enabled voice service or alternative emergency communications service is involved, there be parity in liability (as compared to local exchange companies and others) for service carriers, users, and public safety answering points (facilities designated to receive 9-1-1 calls and route them to emergency personnel) (PSAPs). Defines "alternative emergency communications service" as the provision of emergency information to a PSAP via wire or radio communications, possibly including 9-1-1 and enhanced 9-1-1 services. (Sec. 4) Declares that nothing in this Act, the Communications Act of 1934, the Wireless Communications and Public Safety Act of 1999, or any FCC regulation or order prevents states, their subdivisions, or Indian tribes from imposing a fee on or collecting a fee from IP-enabled voice services to support 9-1-1 or E-9-1-1 services. (Sec. 5) Requires the FCC to report annually to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce on the status in each state of the collection and distribution of 9-1-1 fees. (Sec. 6) Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to require the E-9-1-1 Implementation Coordination Office to develop a national plan for migrating to a national IP-enabled emergency network. Requires, after plan completion, grants for migration to such a network. Authorizes the FCC to compile a list of PSAP contact information, as well as contact information for 9-1-1 component providers, to assist providers in complying with this Act and specified provisions of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act. Allows the FCC to make any part of that information available to the public to improve public safety. Requires the FCC to work cooperatively with public safety organizations, industry participants, and the E-9-1-1 Implementation Coordination Office to develop best practices that promote consistency. (Sec. 7) Requires the FCC to enforce the Wireless Communications and Public Safety Act of 1999 as if that Act was part of the Communications Act of 1934 and deems any violation to be a violation of the Communications Act of 1934. (Sec. 8) Sets deadlines for: (1) the FCC to remit all amounts promised for the completion of an update to the Report on Technical and Operational Issues Impacting the Provision of Wireless Enhanced 9-1-1 Services; and (2) the filing of related written findings.

sec amends impose enabled voice service providers engaged interstate foreign communication requirement provide service including enhanced service subscribers requires federal_communications_commission fcc issue regulations granting enabled voice service providers right access components necessary provide service rates terms conditions provided commercial mobile service providers requires providers establish point contact public safety government officials relative service access authorizes fcc delegate enforcement authority state agencies programs emergency communications jurisdiction authorizes fcc require provider voice service substitute telephone exchange service provide service including enhanced service sec requires enabled voice service alternative emergency communications service involved parity liability compared local exchange companies service carriers users public safety answering points facilities designated receive calls route emergency personnel defines alternative emergency communications service provision emergency information wire radio communications possibly including enhanced services sec declares act communications act fcc regulation order prevents states subdivisions indian tribes imposing fee collecting fee enabled voice services support services sec requires fcc report annually senate_committee_on_commerce science transportation status state collection distribution fees sec amends national_telecommunications_and_information_administration_organization_act require implementation coordination office develop national plan national enabled emergency network requires plan completion grants migration network authorizes fcc compile list contact information contact information component providers assist providers complying act specified provisions national_telecommunications_and_information_administration_organization_act allows fcc information available public improve public safety requires fcc work cooperatively public safety organizations industry participants implementation coordination office develop best practices promote consistency sec requires fcc enforce act communications act deems violation violation communications act sec sets deadlines fcc remit amounts promised completion update report technical operational issues impacting provision wireless enhanced services filing related written findings


Summary: Child Safe Viewing Act of 2007 - Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to initiate a notice of inquiry to consider measures to examine: (1) the existence and availability of advanced blocking technologies that are compatible with various communications devices or platforms; (2) methods of encouraging the development, deployment, and use of such technology by parents that do not affect the packaging or pricing of a content provider's offering; and (3) the availability and use of parental empowerment tools and initiatives already in the market. Requires that the FCC consider advanced blocking technologies that: (1) may be appropriate across a wide variety of distribution platforms (including wired, wireless, and Internet platforms) and transmitting or receiving devices; (2) can filter language based on information in closed captioning; (3) operate independently of the program creator's ratings; and (4) may enhance the parent's ability to protect his or her child from indecent or objectionable programming, as determined by that parent. Requires a report to Congress. Defines "advanced blocking technologies" as technologies that can improve or enhance the ability of a parent to protect his or her child from any indecent or objectionable video or audio programming, as determined by the parent, transmitted through wire, wireless, or radio communication.

child safe viewing act requires federal_communications_commission fcc initiate notice inquiry consider measures examine existence availability advanced blocking technologies compatible communications devices platforms methods encouraging development deployment use technology parents affect packaging pricing content provider offering availability use parental empowerment tools initiatives market requires fcc consider advanced blocking technologies appropriate wide variety distribution platforms including wireless internet platforms transmitting receiving devices filter language based information closed captioning operate independently program ratings enhance parent ability protect child indecent programming determined parent requires report congress defines advanced blocking technologies technologies improve enhance ability parent protect child indecent video audio programming determined parent transmitted wire wireless radio communication


Summary: Spectrum Availability for Emergency-Response and Law-Enforcement to Improve Vital Emergency Services Act or the SAVE LIVES Act - Establishes the Public Safety Interoperable Communications Working Group to provide continuing advice to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of Homeland Security regarding public safety interoperable communications. Declares that the 24 MHz band of spectrum allocated to public safety services should be used by state, local, and regional public safety organizations for interoperable voice and data communications. Requires the FCC to complete a specified Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding the 700MHz Band and issue rules allowing certain channels within the current 24 MHz band of public safety spectrum to accommodate data communications. Requires the FCC to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking regarding the allocation for auction of the 30MHz band of recovered analog spectrum and establish specifications for a national public safety broadband network. Establishes the Public Safety Broadband Trust Corporation and requires, if no bidder is successful, granting it a license for the use of such spectrum. Specifies Corporation duties, including facilitating development of such network. Authorizes the FCC to enter into an agreement with the Corporation to guarantee loans to the Corporation. Pledges the full faith and credit of the United States for principal and interest.

spectrum availability emergency response law enforcement improve vital emergency services act save lives act establishes provide continuing advice federal_communications_commission fcc department_of_homeland_security public safety interoperable communications declares mhz band spectrum allocated public safety services state local regional public safety organizations interoperable voice data communications requires fcc complete specified notice_of_proposed_rulemaking band issue rules allowing certain channels current mhz band public safety spectrum accommodate data communications requires fcc issue notice proposed rulemaking allocation auction band recovered analog spectrum establish specifications national public safety broadband network requires bidder successful granting license use spectrum specifies corporation duties including facilitating development network authorizes fcc enter agreement corporation guarantee loans corporation pledges faith credit united_states principal interest


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow attorneys a tax deduction in the current taxable year for reimbursable expenses and court costs which they pay or incur in connection with contingency fee cases.

amends internal revenue code allow attorneys tax deduction current taxable year reimbursable expenses court costs pay incur connection contingency fee cases


Summary: EXTEND the Energy Efficiency Incentives Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) to allow individual taxpayers a tax credit, through 2011, for residential energy efficiency expenditures certified to achieve certain levels of energy savings; (2) modify standards for nonbusiness energy property (i.e., air conditioners, heat pumps, water heaters, etc.) and extend the tax credit for such property through 2011; (3) revise the tax credit for solar electric and hot water property to include all technologies for solar-derived electricity; (4) extend through 2011 the tax credit for new energy efficient homes; (5) extend through 2014 the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings and increase the maximum amount of such deduction; (6) allow tax deductions for energy efficient low-rise buildings used for multifamily housing and for energy efficient property expenditures; (7) extend through 2011 the investment tax credit for solar energy and fuel cell property; and (8) allow a business-related tax credit for qualified training and certification costs and equipment expenditures for certifying residential energy savings.

extend energy efficiency incentives act amends internal revenue code allow individual taxpayers tax credit residential energy efficiency expenditures certified achieve certain levels energy savings modify standards nonbusiness energy property air conditioners heat pumps water heaters etc extend tax credit property revise tax credit solar electric hot water property include technologies solar derived electricity extend tax credit new energy efficient homes extend tax deduction energy efficient commercial buildings increase maximum deduction allow tax deductions energy efficient low rise buildings multifamily housing energy efficient property expenditures extend investment tax credit solar energy fuel cell property allow business related tax credit qualified training certification costs equipment expenditures certifying residential energy savings


Summary: Family-Based Meth Treatment Access Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to expand the grant program to provide residential substance abuse treatment to pregnant and postpartum women to include: (1) parenting women substance abuse treatment (including treatment for addiction to methamphetamine); and (2) outpatient treatment services. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to expand, intensify, and coordinate efforts to provide treatment for methamphetamine addiction to pregnant and parenting women.Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to award grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts to assist local jails and detention facilities in providing comprehensive, family-based substance abuse treatment services to pregnant and parenting adults who are considered nonviolent offenders. Sets forth criteria that must be met if such a grant is used for a family drug treatment program that is an alternative to incarceration.Gives priority in awarding grants under this Act to any entity that agrees to use the award for programs serving an area that: (1) is a rural area, an area with a shortage of mental health professionals, or an area with a shortage of family-based substance abuse treatment options; and (2) has high rates of addiction to methamphetamine or other drugs.

amends public_health_service_act expand grant program provide residential substance abuse treatment pregnant postpartum women include parenting women substance abuse treatment including treatment addiction methamphetamine outpatient treatment services requires secretary health_and_human_services expand intensify coordinate efforts provide treatment methamphetamine addiction pregnant parenting women requires secretary acting administrator substance_abuse_and_mental_health_services_administration award grants cooperative agreements contracts assist local jails detention facilities providing comprehensive family based substance abuse treatment services pregnant parenting adults considered nonviolent offenders sets forth criteria met grant family drug treatment program alternative incarceration gives priority awarding grants act entity agrees use award programs serving area rural area area shortage mental health professionals area shortage family based substance abuse treatment options high rates addiction methamphetamine drugs


Summary: Free Flow of Information Act of 2007 - Prohibits a federal entity (an entity or employee of the judicial or executive branch or an administrative agency) from compelling a covered person (a person engaged in journalism, including their supervisor, employer, parent, subsidiary, or affiliate) to testify or produce any document unless a court makes specified determinations by a preponderance of the evidence. Requires the content of compelled testimony or documents to be limited and narrowly tailored. Applies this Act to communications service providers with regard to testimony or any record, information, or other communication that relates to a business transaction between such providers and covered persons. Sets forth notice requirements. Permits a court to delay notice to a covered person upon determining that such notice would pose a substantial threat to the integrity of a criminal investigation.

free flow information act prohibits federal entity entity employee judicial executive branch administrative agency compelling covered person person engaged journalism including supervisor employer parent subsidiary affiliate testify produce document court makes specified determinations preponderance evidence requires content compelled testimony documents limited narrowly tailored applies act communications service providers regard testimony record information communication relates business transaction providers covered persons sets forth notice requirements permits court delay notice covered person determining notice pose substantial threat integrity criminal investigation


Summary: Rural Broadband Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to extend the rural broadband access loan and loan guarantee program. Revises the definition of "eligible rural area." Establishes a non-duplification of terrestrial lines, facilities, or systems requirement. Requires loan applications to be processed within 180 days. Eliminates the eligibility prohibition for entities that serve more than 2% of the telephone lines installed in the United States. Establishes a grant program for development of statewide initiatives to identify and track the availability and adoption of broadband services within eligible rural areas. Sets forth loan security and equity requirement provisions.

rural broadband improvement act amends rural electrification act extend rural broadband access loan loan guarantee program revises definition eligible rural area establishes non terrestrial lines facilities systems requirement requires loan applications processed days eliminates eligibility prohibition entities serve telephone lines installed united_states establishes grant program development statewide initiatives identify track availability adoption broadband services eligible rural areas sets forth loan security equity requirement provisions


Summary: Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to initiate a proceeding not later than June 1, 2008, to reevaluate and reconfigure its band (spectrum) plans for the upper 700 megahertz band and the unauctioned portions of the lower 700 megahertz band, requiring the reconfiguration to include spectrum to be licensed for small geographic areas.

directs federal_communications_commission fcc initiate proceeding later june reevaluate reconfigure band spectrum plans upper megahertz band portions lower megahertz band requiring include spectrum licensed small geographic areas


Summary: Local Community Radio Act of 2007 - Repeals provisions in the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001, that required the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to: (1) modify rules authorizing the operation of low-power FM radio stations to prescribe minimum distance separations for third-adjacent channels; (2) prohibit applicants who have engaged in the unlicensed operation of any station from obtaining a low-power FM license; and (3) conduct a program to test whether low-power FM radio stations will result in harmful interference to existing FM radio stations if minimum distance separations for third-adjacent channels are not required. Requires the FCC to: (1) modify its rules to eliminate third-adjacent minimum distance separation requirements between specified stations; and (2) retain rules that provide third-adjacent channel protection for full-power noncommercial FM stations that broadcast radio reading services via a subcarrier frequency from potential low-power FM station interference. Requires the FCC, when licensing FM translator stations, to ensure: (1) that licenses are available to both FM translator stations and low-power FM stations; and (2) that such decisions are made based on the needs of the local community. Requires the FCC to: (1) modify rules authorizing the operation of low-power FM radio stations, as proposed in a specified docket, to prohibit any applicant from obtaining a low-power FM license if the applicant has engaged in any manner in the unlicensed operation of any station; (2) retain its rules that provide third-adjacent channel protection for full-power FM stations that are licensed in states with more than 3,000,000 housing units and a population density greater than 1,000 people per square mile land area; and (3) conduct an economic study on the impact that low-power FM stations will have on full-power commercial FM stations.

radio act repeals provisions departments_of_commerce justice state judiciary related agencies appropriations act required federal_communications_commission fcc modify rules authorizing operation low power radio stations prescribe minimum distance separations adjacent channels prohibit applicants engaged unlicensed operation station obtaining low power license conduct program test low power radio stations result harmful interference existing radio stations minimum distance separations adjacent channels required requires fcc modify rules eliminate adjacent minimum distance separation requirements specified stations retain rules provide adjacent channel protection power noncommercial stations broadcast radio reading services frequency potential low power station interference requires fcc licensing translator stations ensure licenses available translator stations low power stations decisions based needs local community requires fcc modify rules authorizing operation low power radio stations proposed specified docket prohibit applicant obtaining low power license applicant engaged manner unlicensed operation station retain rules provide adjacent channel protection power stations licensed states housing units population density greater people square mile land area conduct economic study impact low power stations power commercial stations


Summary: Broadcaster Freedom Act of 2007 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), notwithstanding any other provision of any Act, from having the authority to require broadcasters to present opposing viewpoints on controversial issues of public importance, commonly referred to as the Fairness Doctrine.

broadcaster freedom act amends communications act prohibit federal_communications_commission fcc notwithstanding provision act having authority require broadcasters present opposing viewpoints controversial issues public importance commonly referred fairness doctrine


Summary: Free Flow of Information Act of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Prohibits a federal entity (an entity or employee of the judicial or executive branch or an administrative agency) from compelling a covered person to testify or produce any document relating to protected information unless a court makes specified determinations by a preponderance of the evidence, including that all reasonable alternative sources have been exhausted, that the testimony or document sought is essential, and that nondisclosure would be contrary to the public interest, taking into account both the public interest in compelling disclosure and the public interest in gathering news and maintaining the free flow of information. Defines "covered person" as a person engaged in journalism, including their supervisor, employer, parent, subsidiary, or affiliate. Excludes from the definition foreign powers and their agents and certain terrorist organizations and individuals. Defines "protected information" as information or records a covered person obtained as part of engaging in journalism on a promise of confidentiality. Requires the content of compelled testimony or documents to be limited and narrowly tailored. (Sec. 3) Exempts any information or item obtained as the result of the eyewitness observations of alleged criminal conduct or commitment of alleged criminal or tortious conduct by the covered person. (Sec. 4) Exempts protected information that is reasonably necessary to stop, prevent, or mitigate a specific case of death, kidnapping, or substantial bodily harm. (Sec. 5) Exempts any protected information that a federal court has found by a preponderance of the evidence would assist in preventing an act of terrorism, or other significant and articulable harm to national security that would outweigh the public interest in news gathering and maintaining a free flow of information to citizens. (Sec. 6) Applies this Act to communications service providers with regard to: (1) a communication to which a covered person is a party; (2) any document relating to such a communication; or (3) the contents of such a communication. Sets forth notice requirements. Permits a court to delay notice to a covered person upon determining that such notice would pose a substantial threat to the integrity of a criminal investigation. (Sec. 7) Declares that this Act does not supersede, dilute, or preclude any law or court decision compelling or not compelling disclosure by a covered person or communications service provider of information identifying a source who provided information without a confidentiality promise made as part of engaging in journalism or records, other information, or contents of a communication obtained without a confidentiality promise.

free flow information act sec prohibits federal entity entity employee judicial executive branch administrative agency compelling covered person testify produce document relating protected information court makes specified determinations preponderance evidence including reasonable alternative sources exhausted testimony document sought essential nondisclosure contrary public interest taking account public interest compelling disclosure public interest gathering news maintaining free flow information defines covered person person engaged journalism including supervisor employer parent subsidiary affiliate excludes definition foreign powers agents certain terrorist organizations individuals defines protected information information records covered person obtained engaging journalism promise confidentiality requires content compelled testimony documents limited narrowly tailored sec exempts information item obtained result eyewitness observations alleged criminal conduct commitment alleged criminal tortious conduct covered person sec exempts protected information reasonably necessary stop prevent mitigate specific case death kidnapping substantial bodily harm sec exempts protected information federal court found preponderance evidence assist preventing act terrorism significant articulable harm national security outweigh public interest news gathering maintaining free flow information citizens sec applies act communications service providers regard communication covered person party document relating communication contents communication sets forth notice requirements permits court delay notice covered person determining notice pose substantial threat integrity criminal investigation sec declares act supersede preclude law court decision compelling compelling disclosure covered person communications service provider information identifying source provided information confidentiality promise engaging journalism records information contents communication obtained confidentiality promise


Summary: Preparing America's Seniors for the Digital Television Transition of [sic] Act of 2007 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), commencing not later than January 1, 2008, or 60 days after enactment, to enter into a partnership with the Administration on Aging and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to create a comprehensive nationwide public education campaign that provides information and assistance to older individuals to ensure that such individuals receive uninterrupted television service during the transition from analog to digital television that is to occur on February 17, 2009, and to mitigate the likelihood of success of fraudulent schemes relating to such transition that may target such older individuals. Provides for an advisory board which shall include representatives from minorities, the disabled, non-native English speakers, tribal groups, and other vulnerable populations.Sets forth: (1) public notification (and labeling and advertising, as appropriate) requirements for full power commercial television broadcast licensees, noncommercial broadcasters, multichannel video programming distributors, electronic retailers, and manufacturers; and (2) penalties for noncompliance.Provides for grants for provide public education outreach and installation assistance to older individuals and other vulnerable populations.Amends the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 to revise the program specifications of the digital-to-analog converter box program, including requiring a standard application to receive a coupon.

seniors digital television transition sic act amends communications act require federal_communications_commission fcc commencing later january days enactment enter partnership administration_on_aging national_telecommunications_and_information_administration create comprehensive nationwide public education campaign provides information assistance older individuals ensure individuals receive uninterrupted television service transition analog digital television occur february mitigate likelihood success fraudulent schemes relating transition target older individuals provides advisory board shall include representatives minorities disabled non native english speakers tribal groups vulnerable populations sets forth public notification labeling advertising appropriate requirements power commercial television broadcast licensees noncommercial broadcasters multichannel video programming distributors electronic retailers manufacturers penalties noncompliance provides grants provide public education outreach installation assistance older individuals vulnerable populations amends digital_television_transition_and_public_safety_act revise program specifications digital analog converter box program including requiring standard application receive coupon


Summary: Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct an economic study on the impact that low-power FM stations will have on full-power commercial FM stations and report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives.

requires federal_communications_commission fcc conduct economic study impact low power stations power commercial stations report committee_on_commerce science transportation_of_the_senate house_of_representatives


Summary: Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to modify its rules authorizing the operation of low-power FM stations to prohibit any applicant from obtaining a low-power license if the applicant has engaged in any manner in the unlicensed operation of any station.

requires federal_communications_commission fcc modify rules authorizing operation low power stations prohibit applicant obtaining low power license applicant engaged manner unlicensed operation station


Summary: Media Ownership Act of 2007 - Amends the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in changing any of its regulations related to broadcast ownership, to publish notice in the Federal Register for least 90 days, followed by at least 60 days for public comment, followed by at least 30 days to reply to comments. Applies those requirements to any any changes related to broadcast and newspaper ownership made after October 1, 2007. Requires the FCC, before voting on any change in broadcast and newspaper ownership rules made necessary by the decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals in Prometheus v. Federal Communications Commission, United States of America, to complete a separate rulemaking to promote the broadcast of local programming and content by broadcasters, including radio and television broadcast stations, and newspapers. Requires the FCC, before publishing a modification, revision, or amendment of its broadcast ownership rules, to: (1) complete a study on the overall impact of television station duopolies and newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership on the quantity and quality of local news, public affairs, local news media jobs, and local cultural programming at the market level; and (2) publish a proposed final rule at least 90 days before a vote, followed by at least 60 days for public comment, followed by at least 30 days to reply to comments. Requires the FCC to establish an independent panel on increasing the representation of women and minorities in broadcast media ownership and to act on the panel's recommendations before voting on any changes to its broadcast and newspaper ownership rules. Requires the FCC to provide the panel, before the panel makes any recommendation to the FCC: (1) a full census of the race and gender of individuals holding a controlling interest in broadcast stations; and (2) a study of the impact of media market concentration on the representation of women and minorities in the ownership of broadcast media

amends telecommunications act require federal_communications_commission fcc changing regulations related broadcast ownership publish notice followed days public comment followed days reply comments applies requirements changes related broadcast newspaper ownership october requires fcc voting change broadcast newspaper ownership rules necessary decision federal_communications_commission united_states_of_america complete separate rulemaking promote broadcast local programming content broadcasters including radio television broadcast stations newspapers requires fcc publishing modification revision amendment broadcast ownership rules complete study overall impact television station newspaper broadcast cross ownership quantity quality local news public affairs local news media jobs local cultural programming market level publish proposed final rule days vote followed days public comment followed days reply comments requires fcc establish independent panel increasing representation women minorities broadcast media ownership act panel recommendations voting changes broadcast newspaper ownership rules requires fcc provide panel panel makes recommendation fcc census race gender individuals holding controlling interest broadcast stations study impact media market concentration representation women minorities ownership broadcast media


Summary: DTV Border Fix Act of 2008 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to allow the renewal of a full-power analog television broadcasting license through February 17, 2013, for stations located within 50 miles of the U.S. border with Mexico, provided certain requirements are met, including that the renewal does not: (1) prevent the auction of recovered spectrum; (2) encumber or interfere with any channel reserved for public safety use; and (3) prevent the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from considering or granting a request for waiver submitted for public safety service prior to enactment of this Act. Requires the FCC, if mutually exclusive applications are submitted to use a channel under the amendments made by this Act, to award the authority to use the channel through competitive bidding under existing procedures. Prohibits the FCC from extending or renewing a full-power television broadcast license that authorizes analog service on or after February 17, 2013.

dtv border fix act amends communications act allow renewal power analog television broadcasting license february stations located miles border mexico provided certain requirements met including renewal prevent auction recovered spectrum encumber interfere channel reserved public safety use prevent federal_communications_commission fcc considering granting request waiver submitted public safety service prior enactment act requires fcc mutually exclusive applications submitted use channel amendments act award authority use channel competitive bidding existing procedures prohibits fcc extending renewing power television broadcast license authorizes analog service february


Summary: Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to prescribe a regulation prohibiting advertisements accompanying video programming from: (1) being excessively noisy or strident; (2) having modulation levels substantially higher than the accompanying program; and (3) having an average maximum loudness substantially higher than that of the accompanying program.

commercial advertisement mitigation act directs federal_communications_commission fcc prescribe regulation prohibiting advertisements accompanying video programming excessively having levels substantially higher accompanying program having average maximum substantially higher accompanying program


Summary: Digital TV Transition Fairness Act - Requires the Department of Commerce to implement and administer a program to obtain coupons that can be applied toward: (1) the cost to install a digital-to-analog converter box; (2) the purchase and installation of an indoor or outdoor antenna, or both if needed, to facilitate the reception and display of signals of channels broadcast in digital television service; and (3) the cost to install, or the cost of any other equipment needed to receive and display, basic broadcast television service. Sets forth consumer and product eligibility criteria. Provides for a website and telephone hotline to provide relevant information to assist consumers that have degraded or lost signals or channels as a result of the full power transition from analog to digital television that is to occur on February 17, 2009. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to promulgate rules requiring that each multichannel video programming distributor providing broadcast television for a local market provide to eligible consumers in that local market access to basic broadcast television service. Directs the FCC to carry out an education and outreach campaign to inform and educate consumers on the availability, benefits, and advantages of the programs and requirements established under this Act.

fairness act requires department_of_commerce implement administer program obtain coupons applied cost install digital analog converter box purchase installation indoor outdoor antenna needed facilitate reception display signals channels broadcast digital television service cost install cost equipment needed receive display basic broadcast television service sets forth consumer product eligibility criteria provides website telephone hotline provide relevant information assist consumers degraded lost signals channels result power transition analog digital television occur february requires federal_communications_commission fcc promulgate rules requiring multichannel video programming distributor providing broadcast television local market provide eligible consumers local market access basic broadcast television service directs fcc carry education outreach campaign inform educate consumers availability benefits advantages programs requirements established act


Summary: Broadcaster Freedom Act of 2009 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), notwithstanding any other provision of any Act, from having the authority to require broadcasters to present opposing viewpoints on controversial issues of public importance, commonly referred to as the Fairness Doctrine.


Summary: Local Emergency Radio Service Preservation Act of 2009 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), consistent with the representations made by digital audio radio satellite service licensees that digital audio radio satellite service would be a national service, to revise its regulations to provide that digital audio radio satellite service (DARSS): (1) licensees shall not provide services that are locally differentiated or that result in programming being delivered to consumers in one geographic market that is different from programming delivered in any other geographic market; and (2) repeaters shall be restricted to simultaneously retransmitting the programming transmitted by satellite directly to DARSS subscribers' receivers. Requires the FCC to complete a rulemaking proceeding to determine whether DARSS licensees should be permitted to provide locally oriented services on nationally distributed channels, taking into account, among other things, the ability of such licensees to afford listeners the same emergency and other information as is afforded listeners of local broadcast stations.

preservation act directs federal_communications_commission fcc consistent representations digital audio radio satellite service licensees digital audio radio satellite service national service revise regulations provide digital audio radio satellite service licensees shall provide services locally differentiated result programming delivered consumers geographic market different programming delivered geographic market shall restricted simultaneously retransmitting programming transmitted satellite directly subscribers receivers requires fcc complete rulemaking proceeding determine licensees permitted provide locally oriented services nationally distributed channels taking account things ability licensees afford emergency information afforded local broadcast stations


Summary: National Digital Television Consumer Education Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require retail distributors of television receiving equipment (TVs) to place adjacent to each unit displayed for sale a consumer alert in English and Spanish that the TV has only an analog broadcast tuner and will require a converter box after February 17, 2009, to receive over-the-air broadcasts with an antenna. Imposes similar requirements on sellers that use direct mail, catalog, or electronic means such as the Internet. Requires broadcaster public service announcements about the deadline for termination of analog TV broadcasting and the equipment options for consumers following such termination. Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to authorize the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to establish a temporary grant program to coordinate and lead a nationwide consumer education and outreach campaign regarding America's conversion to digital television. Amends the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 to increase funding for the program to provide coupons for digital-to-analog converter boxes.

require retail distributors television receiving equipment place adjacent unit displayed sale consumer alert english spanish analog broadcast require converter box february receive air broadcasts antenna imposes similar requirements sellers use direct mail catalog electronic means internet requires broadcaster public service announcements deadline termination analog broadcasting equipment options consumers following termination amends national_telecommunications_and_information_administration_organization_act authorize assistant secretary commerce_for_communications_and_information establish temporary grant program coordinate lead nationwide consumer education outreach campaign america conversion digital television amends digital_television_transition_and_public_safety_act increase funding program provide coupons digital analog converter boxes


Summary: Digital Television Coupon Improvement Act - Amends the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 to require that coupons that can be applied toward the purchase of digital-to-analog converter boxes expire at the close of March 31, 2009. Applies the change to coupons issued after enactment of this Act.

digital television transition public safety act require coupons applied purchase digital analog converter boxes expire close march applies change coupons issued enactment act


Summary: Grants a statutory license to a satellite carrier for the secondary transmission of a performance or display of a work embodied in a primary transmission by a network station located in Oklahoma to subscribers who: (1) reside in Oklahoma but do not receive the secondary transmission of any network station located in that state because of assignment to a local market receiving secondary transmissions of network stations located in another state; and (2) elect to receive the secondary transmissions of network stations located in Oklahoma.

grants statutory license satellite carrier secondary transmission performance display work embodied primary transmission network station located oklahoma subscribers reside oklahoma receive secondary transmission network station located state assignment local market receiving secondary transmissions network stations located state elect receive secondary transmissions network stations located oklahoma


Summary: Safe Prisons Communications Act of 2009 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize the director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons or the chief executive officer of a state to petition the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to permit the installation of devices to prevent, jam, or interfere with wireless communications within the geographic boundaries of a specific prison, penitentiary, or correctional facility under his or her jurisdiction. Requires that the device be operated on a directional basis, using all other interference-limiting capabilities available to the device, or otherwise so that the device does not interfere with wireless communications that originate and terminate outside the area of the prison, penitentiary, or correctional facility. Requires the FCC to adopt a final rule establishing criteria for certification for the manufacture, sale, importation, and interstate shipment of such devices.

safe prisons communications act amends communications act authorize director federal_bureau_of_prisons chief executive officer state petition federal_communications_commission fcc permit installation devices prevent interfere wireless communications geographic boundaries specific prison correctional facility jurisdiction requires device operated directional basis interference limiting capabilities available device device interfere wireless communications originate terminate outside area prison correctional facility requires fcc adopt final rule establishing criteria certification manufacture sale importation interstate shipment devices


Summary: Amends the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 to increase funding for the program to provide coupons for digital-to-analog converter boxes. Directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to: (1) expedite the distribution of such coupons by delivering them via presorted first class mail service until February 17, 2009; and (2) continue such delivery after that date if the Assistant Secretary determines that doing so will significantly improve coupon redemption rates without jeopardizing the availability of administrative funds. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to extend through September 30, 2012 (currently until September 30, 2011), the authority of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to grant a license or permit under provisions relating to competitive bidding.

amends digital television transition public safety act increase funding program provide coupons digital analog converter boxes directs assistant secretary commerce_for_communications_and_information expedite distribution coupons delivering class mail service february continue delivery date assistant secretary determines significantly improve coupon redemption rates jeopardizing availability administrative funds amends communications act extend september currently september authority federal_communications_commission fcc grant license permit provisions relating competitive bidding


Summary: Digital Television Transition Extension Act of 2009 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 and the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 to extend for approximately four months the deadlines related to the transition from analog to digital television broadcasting. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to extend for 116 days the terms of the licenses for recovered spectrum. Requires, on request, the reissue of any household digital-to-analog converter box coupons that expired without being redeemed. Requires expediting the delivery of household digital-to-analog converter box coupons by sending them via presorted first class mail. Allows a station to terminate analog broadcasting (and to continue broadcasting exclusively in digital signals) before the date established by law for termination of all full power analog station licenses. Requires the FCC to permit public safety entities to use spectrum thus relinquished if the FCC determines that such use does not cause harmful interference to full-power television stations in the analog or digital service. Extends until September 30, 2012 (currently, September 30, 2011) the FCC's spectrum auction authority.

amends communications act digital_television_transition_and_public_safety_act extend approximately months deadlines related transition analog digital television broadcasting requires federal_communications_commission fcc extend days terms licenses recovered spectrum requires request reissue household digital analog converter box coupons expired redeemed requires expediting delivery household digital analog converter box coupons sending class mail allows station terminate analog broadcasting continue broadcasting exclusively digital signals date established law termination power analog station licenses requires fcc permit public safety entities use spectrum relinquished fcc determines use cause harmful interference power television stations analog digital service extends september currently september fcc spectrum auction authority


Summary: Performance Rights Act - (Sec. 2) Amends federal copyright law to: (1) grant performers of sound recordings equal rights to compensation from terrestrial broadcasters (AM and FM radio); and (2) modify the circumstances under which the public performance of a sound recording is subject to statutory licensing. (Sec. 3) Establishes separate annual flat fees in lieu of royalty payments for certain minority, female, religious, rural, small, noncommercial, public, educational, and community terrestrial broadcast stations that have annual revenues falling within corresponding separate specified ranges. Prohibits such annual fees from being taken into account in any Copyright Royalty Board rate-setting proceeding or in any other federal government proceeding. Includes broadcasts of religious services and incidental uses of musical sound recordings publicly by digital audio transmission among performances of a sound recording that are not copyright infringements. (Sec. 4) Provides a per program license option for terrestrial broadcast stations that make limited feature uses of sound recordings. (Sec. 5) Prohibits: (1) license fees payable for the public performance of sound recordings from being used in any governmental proceeding to set the license fees payable to copyright owners of musical works for the public performance of their works to adversely affect such license fees; (2) a licensee of a sound recording from publicly performing such sound recording unless a license has been granted for the public performance of any copyrighted musical work contained in the sound recording; (3) anything in this Act from adversely affecting the public performance rights or royalties payable to songwriters or copyright owners of musical works; and (4) rates established by the Copyright Royalty Judges for the public performance of sound recordings from being used in any governmental proceeding to adversely affect license fees payable to copyright owners of musical works for the public performance of their works by terrestrial broadcast stations. (Sec. 6) Entitles a featured recording artist who performs on a sound recording that has been licensed for public performance by means of an audio transmission to payments from the sound recording's copyright owner in accordance with the terms of the artist's contract. Requires: (1) sound recording copyright owners to deposit 1% of the receipts from their licensing of public performance rights by means of an audio transmission into the American Federation of Musicians and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists Intellectual Property Rights Distribution Fund for distribution to nonfeatured performers who have performed on sound recordings; and (2) the Fund to pay 50% to nonfeatured musicians and 50% to nonfeatured vocalists. (Sec. 7) Prohibits a broadcaster's payment of royalties on underlying works publicly performed by terrestrial broadcast stations from affecting that broadcaster's public interest obligations to its local community under the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations related to radio broadcast services. (Sec. 8) Directs copyright royalty judges making determinations or adjustments of rates and terms of copyright royalty payments for public performances of sound recordings, to consider the effect of such rates and terms on: (1) religious, minority-owned, female-owned, small, and noncommercial broadcasters; (2) non-music programming, including local news and information programming for stations that are part of station groups located in one designated market area; and (3) religious, minority or minority-owned, and female or female-owned royalty recipients.

performance rights act sec amends federal copyright law grant sound recordings equal rights compensation terrestrial broadcasters radio modify circumstances public performance sound recording subject statutory licensing sec establishes separate annual flat fees lieu royalty payments certain minority female religious rural small noncommercial public educational community terrestrial broadcast stations annual revenues falling corresponding separate specified ranges prohibits annual fees taken account rate setting proceeding federal government proceeding includes broadcasts religious services incidental uses musical sound recordings publicly digital audio transmission performances sound recording copyright sec provides program license option terrestrial broadcast stations limited feature uses sound recordings sec prohibits license fees payable public performance sound recordings governmental proceeding set license fees payable copyright owners musical works public performance works adversely affect license fees licensee sound recording publicly performing sound recording license granted public performance copyrighted musical work contained sound recording act adversely affecting public performance rights royalties payable copyright owners musical works rates established public performance sound recordings governmental proceeding adversely affect license fees payable copyright owners musical works public performance works terrestrial broadcast stations sec entitles recording artist performs sound recording licensed public performance means audio transmission payments sound recording copyright owner accordance terms artist contract requires sound recording copyright owners deposit receipts licensing public performance rights means audio transmission radio artists intellectual property rights distribution fund distribution performed sound recordings fund pay musicians sec prohibits broadcaster payment royalties underlying works publicly performed terrestrial broadcast stations affecting broadcaster public interest obligations local community federal_communications_commission fcc regulations related radio broadcast services sec directs copyright royalty judges making determinations adjustments rates terms copyright royalty payments public performances sound recordings consider effect rates terms religious minority owned female owned small noncommercial broadcasters non music programming including local news information programming stations station groups located designated market area religious minority minority owned female female owned royalty recipients


Summary: Satellite Consumers' Right to Local Channels Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require each satellite carrier providing secondary transmissions in the local market of a television broadcast station to carry, on request, the signals of all television broadcast stations located within any local market (under current law, located within that local market), subject to existing broadcast signal retransmission consent provisions.

local channels act amends communications act require satellite carrier providing secondary transmissions local market television broadcast station carry request signals television broadcast stations located local market current law located local market subject existing broadcast signal retransmission consent provisions


Summary: Family Telephone Connection Protection Act of 2009 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to consider the following types of regulation of inmate telephone service: (1) prescribing a maximum uniform per-minute rate (paid to telephone service providers); (2) prescribing a maximum uniform service connection or other per-call rate; (3) prescribing variable maximum rates depending on factors such as carrier costs or the size of the correctional facility; (4) requiring providers of inmate telephone service to offer both collect calling and debit account services; (5) prohibiting the payment of commissions by such providers to administrators of correctional facilities; and (6) requiring such administrators to allow more than one service provider at a facility so that prisoners have a choice.

amends communications act direct federal_communications_commission fcc consider following types regulation inmate telephone service prescribing maximum uniform minute rate paid telephone service providers prescribing maximum uniform service connection rate prescribing variable maximum rates depending factors carrier costs size correctional facility requiring providers inmate telephone service offer collect calling debit account services prohibiting payment commissions providers administrators correctional facilities requiring administrators allow service provider facility prisoners choice