This information is for those interested in requesting a waiver from WCAV / WVAW / WAHU TV for a distant CBS, ABC, or FOX satellite signal.

In observance of federal law, WCAV / WVAW / WAHU TV cannot process waiver requests for a satellite subscriber unless that request has been submitted directly from your satellite provider on your behalf. If you have been told by your satellite service provider to contact any local television station directly for waivers, you have reached someone who is misinformed. Satellite carriers are legally responsible for handling the entire waiver process on your behalf, and WCAV / WVAW / WAHU TV will comply with the federal requirements of waiver processing.

In 1999, Congress passed the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act (SHVIA). This federal law dictates that the satellite service provider must handle all waiver requests on behalf of their subscribers. Your satellite service provider must apply on your behalf requesting your waiver. Quoting from the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) website:

"SHVIA permits satellite companies to provide local broadcast TV signals to all subscribers who reside in the local TV station’s market (also referred to as a Designated Market Area ("DMA")), as defined by Nielsen Media Research. This ability to provide local broadcast channels is commonly referred to as "local into local" service. SHVIA also permits satellite companies to provide "distant" network broadcast stations to eligible satellite subscribers.
The satellite company has the option of providing local-into-local service, but is not required to do so. Some satellite companies are already providing this service in selected markets…Subscribers should contact their satellite company to determine whether and when the service will be available in their specific DMA and which DMA applies to them." (http://www.fcc.gov/mb/shva/shviafac.html)

If your waiver request is denied, then the satellite company must schedule a signal measurement test on your behalf. You will not be charged for this test. Federal law requires that your satellite provider pay for the test. If the test results prove WCAV / WVAW / WAHU TV’s signal strength at your location is below the federal requirements, WCAV / WVAW / WAHU TV must reimburse your satellite carrier for the costs associated with this test. Should you find your satellite carrier unwilling to follow these federal requirements, you may report their conduct to the FCC directly at 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322).

You may also wish to inform your local congressional representative of your concerns. I would also encourage you to inform your provider that you will be taking these actions unless they are willing to act on your behalf in accordance with federal law.

Remember:

1) Waivers are only granted to “unserved households” as described in the congressionally mandated Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act.

2) Waivers are not considered or granted for the sole purpose of receiving a High Definition out of market signal

3) Calling or contacting your local television station is not the right procedure. If your satellite provider is urging you to do so, they are giving you bad advice. They are obligated to pursue the waiver process on your behalf including the application for waiver and the Grade B signal strength test.

Respectfully,
Gray Television