WTVM 7/18/14 Editorial: Keep My Local TV

(WTVM) - Because you are watching News Leader 9 right now - maybe on cable or over satellite - there's an important issue in Congress you will want to know about.

Pay TV companies, which re-sell our over the air television signal to their subscribers, are seeking new rules from Congress that could jeopardize the local TV you depend on - for live local news, weather and sports here, where we live.

It is local news, after all, that you can always rely on each day to stay safe and informed.

No cable or satellite company produces local news.

Most of our viewers press a button on the remote and get instant access to the local news they need.

But what if Pay TV companies were allowed to ignore local TV stations, and instead pay broadcast networks directly for their programs, and not carry the local broadcast network affiliate's local weather reports, say, during a tornado?

That's what cable companies hope Congress will let them do, unless you speak out against it.

And what if cable or satellite companies were allowed to carry any ABC station instead of News Leader 9?

Would you be happy with news and weather reports from distant cities in other states with no relevance or connection to where you live?

That could happen if Congress decides to let cable companies choose what you get to see.

The National Association of Broadcasters has produced some TV spots which you will be seeing on our station to bring awareness to highlight this important issue.

We urge you to email or call your congress members or senators to say that you side with us, that you want to keep TV local.

To find out more, watch this video, and/or visit KeepMyTV.org.

To contact congress on this issue, call 855-988-1188.

Thanks for watching and supporting local TV news.

General Manager Holly Steuart brings two editorials a week to WTVM. If you would like to respond to an editorial, e-mail your response to WTVM Editorial Committee or write to:

WTVM Editorial Committee
1909 Wynnton Road
Columbus, GA 31906