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z?d104:SN00652:@@@D at thomas.loc.gov Page 10 of 16 (Sec. 202) Directs the FCC to modify its multiple ownership rules to eliminate its limitation on the number of radio stations which may be owned or controlled nationally. Limits the number • of radio stations an entity may own, operate, or control in a local market, with an exception when the FCC determines that such ownership, operation, or control will increase the number of radio broadcast stations in operation. Directs the FCC to: (1) eliminate its limitation on the number of TV stations which may be owned or controlled nationally; (2) increase to 35 percent the national audience reach limitations for TV stations; and (3) conduct a rulemaking proceeding to determine whether its rules restricting ownership of more than one TV station in a local market should be retained, modified, or eliminated. Directs the FCC to extend its waiver policy with respect to its one-to-a-market ownership rules to any of the top 50 markets. Directs the FCC to permit a TV station to affiliate with an entity that maintains two or more networks unless such networks are composed of: (1) two or more of the four existing networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX); or (2) any of the four existing networks and one of the two emerging networks (WBTN, UPN). Directs the FCC to: (1) permit an entity to own or control a network of broadcast stations and a cable system; and (2) revise ownership regulations if necessary to ensure carriage, channel positioning, and nondiscriminatory treatment of nonaffiliated broadcast stations by a cable system. Requires the FCC to revise all such rules biennially. Repeals current restrictions on broadcast- cable crossownership under the Communications Act. (Sec. 203) Provides an eight-year license term for both TV and radio broadcast licenses. (Sec. 204) Revises provisions regarding renewal procedures for the operation of TV broadcast • stations. Includes standards for both renewal and denial of an application. Requires each renewal applicant to attach to such application a summary of comments and suggestions from the public regarding violent programming. Makes such amendment effective with respect to applications filed after May 1, 1995. (Sec. 205) Extends to direct broadcast services current protections against signal piracy. Empowers the FCC with exclusive jurisdiction to regulate direct-to-home satellite services. (Sec. 206) Provides that any ship documented under U.S. laws operating under the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System provisions of the Safety of Life at Sea Convention shall not be required to be equipped with a radio telegraphy station operated by one or more radio officers or operators. (Sec. 207) Directs the FCC to promulgate regulations to prohibit restrictions that impair a viewer's ability to receive video programming services through devices designed for over-the-air reception of TV broadcast signals, multichannel multipoint distribution service, or direct broadcast satellite services. Title III: Cable Services - Revises the definitions of"cable service" and "cable system" for purposes of the Act. Directs the FCC to: (1) review any complaint submitted by a franchising authority after the date of enactment of this Act concerning an increase in rates for cable programming services; and (2) issue a final order within 90 days, unless the parties agree to extend the review period. Terminates such review authority for cable programming services provided after March 31, 1999. Makes such provision inapplicable with respect to: (1) operators providing video programming services in areas subject to effective competition (as defined); or (2) any video programming offered on a per channel or per program basis. http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d104:SNO0652:@@@D 12/11/96