If you are considering subscribing to a satellite service for television reception, you should know
that you will not be able to  receive your local stations via satellite. Despite promises to the 
contrary, Directv has stated that they have no plans to add Eureka's local stations to their 
satellite service.
    There are very specific  Federal Communications Commission rules that govern satellite 
distribution and the granting of waivers by local television stations that permit the importing of 
network affiliates from distant markets. Local stations will be bound to strictly honor these 
rules.
    You are not entitled to a waiver if you live within the Grade A or Grade B coverage areas of 
local stations. Local stations are not granting waivers for viewers residing in those areas. These 
two areas are where the local signals are the strongest and it is highly unlikely that you 
cannot receive a signal of sufficient strength, according to FCC rules, over the air that would entitle you 
to a waiver. Basically, if you can  receive local signals from a basic rooftop antenna (not rabbit 
ears on  a set top) at a height of 30 feet, you are not entitled to a waiver. If you claim a 
substandard signal at your location, you can request a  field test of signal strength from your 
satellite provider. Local stations do not perform these tests and do not request them. An 
approved, licensed, independent engineer must perform the test  according to standards. Be 
aware that there is a charge associated with this test and your provider may resist or refuse to 
order it. Again, local stations are not involved in the testing process and cannot order the test for 
you.
    Directv, at one time in 2003, promised to place all markets in the country on their satellites by 
the end of 2008. They have now said they would not  honor that promise. This denies local 
market residents that choose satellite -only reception the receipt of local news, local weather, 
and local emergency warnings for severe weather and tsunamis.
    Congressman Mike Thompson is co-sponsoring a bill in the House that would require Directv 
and others to honor their original promise and place all local stations on satellite by the end of 
2008.  We urge you to consider contacting your provider and insist that your local stations be 
provided as a part of your service and support Congressman Thompson's bill entered on your 
behalf.
    Local stations will not be granting waivers for those residing in Grade A or Grade B Coverage
areas(as indicated on map the map below) unless it can be demonstrated by approved testing that a
quality signal cannot be received.

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