December 12th, 2007 - Washington, D.C. - Satellite television subscribers in Wallowa, Grant, Umatilla and Malheur counties would be able to watch Oregon news stations under a new law proposed by Oregon Senators Gordon Smith and Ron Wyden.  Subscribers are currently limited to Idaho or Washington broadcasts. “The Washington State football score isn’t useful when you are rooting for the Ducks or the Beavers,” Senator Smith said.  “Our bill will correct the law so local news is local and reports of rain mean reports of rain in your own town.  Our goal is to end the frustration faced by satellite subscribers.” “It’s time to eliminate an injustice that prevents Oregonians from receiving television broadcasts about Oregon,” said Senator Wyden. “This bill would bring common sense to a federal communications law that has been a sore point for people who live in the eastern part of the state.” Federal law limits broadcasts in Wallowa, Grant, Umatilla and Malheur counties to stations from Washington or Idaho.  The bill would correct the federal law that prevents satellite carriers from providing Oregon stations to these counties.   

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