H.R. 5165: Go Pack Go Act of 2025
The Go Pack Go Act of 2025 is proposed legislation aimed at modifying the Communications Act of 1934 and copyright laws to improve television broadcast options for cable and satellite subscribers in specific counties. Here’s a breakdown of its key components:
Definitions
The bill introduces important definitions, including:
- Covered County: A defined group of counties in Wisconsin (e.g., Ashland, Barron, etc.) where the bill's provisions apply.
- In-State, Adjacent-Market Network Station Retransmission: The retransmission of signals from a local television network station that is located in the same state as the subscriber and in a market adjacent to the subscriber’s local market.
- Local Network Station: A television station affiliated with a network that serves the subscriber's local market.
Subscriber Options
The bill allows subscribers in covered counties to choose from the following options for their television service:
- Retransmission of the signal from any local network station.
- Retransmission of the signal from an in-State, adjacent-market network station.
- Both local and adjacent-market station transmissions.
Local Signal Requirements
If a subscriber opts for the adjacent-market retransmission instead of the local station, that choice will fulfill the requirements for receiving local broadcasts. This allows flexibility for those unable to receive local signals due to their location.
Technical Feasibility
For satellite carriers, providing the desired retransmission may depend on technical feasibility as determined by the Commission (likely the Federal Communications Commission).
Retransmission Consent and Viewing Status
The bill states that retransmission of in-State, adjacent-market signals by cable operators will be exempt from certain consent regulations. Moreover, such retransmissions will be considered "significantly viewed" in the covered counties, making them more accessible to subscribers.
Impact on Distant Programming
The legislation modifies copyright regulations, specifying that retransmissions of in-State, adjacent-market network stations don’t count against limits on retransmissions for subscribers in these covered counties, thus allowing greater access to diverse local broadcasts.
Enforcement and Implementation
The bill would require that its stipulations be overseen by the appropriate regulatory bodies (such as the FCC), ensuring that cable and satellite operators comply with the new retransmission requirements.
Regions Affected
The provisions are specifically targeted at certain counties in Wisconsin, where residents may have limited access to local television options due to their geographic location. The intention is to provide them with broader access to in-state programming that they would otherwise miss out on.
Relevant Companies
- DISH Network (DISH): As a satellite carrier, DISH may be required to adjust its retransmission practices and provide additional local broadcasts to subscribers in covered counties.
- Comcast (CMCSA): As a major cable operator, Comcast will need to comply with the additional retransmission requirements mandated by the bill.
This is an AI-generated summary of the bill text. There may be mistakes.
Sponsors
1 sponsor
Actions
2 actions
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Sep. 04, 2025 | Introduced in House |
| Sep. 04, 2025 | Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. |
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