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More Local TV Programming and Station Oversight

This act aims to ensure that TV stations in underserved areas broadcast more local programming. It introduces new rules for content, broadcast times, and studio locations, and makes it easier for citizens to report stations that fail to meet these requirements. This should increase access to information and content relevant to local communities.
Key points
TV stations must broadcast at least 14 hours of local programming weekly, with 7 hours in the evening.
Local programs must include content specific to the community, such as regional news.
Stations must maintain a broadcast studio in their licensed community.
Citizens will have a simpler way to file complaints if stations fail to meet these requirements, including through community forums.
The government will review how TV license renewal processes address local community needs.
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Status:
Expired
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Additional Information
Section 331 Obligation Clarification Act
Print number: HR 4208
Sponsor: Rep. Pascrell, Bill, Jr. [D-NJ-9]
Process start date: 2021-06-28
System Note: Lustra is free, publicly auditable civic infrastructure, with full source code available on GitHub. You are reading sterilized legislative data, processed by our radical neutrality engine to strip political spin and retain factual mechanics. We process only official government data. Original documents remain the authoritative source, always verify them if you can.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
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Summary & Status

Key Questions about More Local TV Programming and Station Oversight

A structured overview of the legislative process, official sources, status and civic context.

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is HR 4208.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-06-28.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • TV stations must broadcast at least 14 hours of local programming weekly, with 7 hours in the evening.
  • Local programs must include content specific to the community, such as regional news.
  • Stations must maintain a broadcast studio in their licensed community.
  • Citizens will have a simpler way to file complaints if stations fail to meet these requirements, including through community forums.
  • The government will review how TV license renewal processes address local community needs.

What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Pascrell, Bill, Jr. [D-NJ-9].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-28.

Analysis and Potential Impact of HR 4208

We don't know, that is up to you to decide. Summarizing raw data with AI is fundamentally different from predicting socio-economic outcomes. As of 2026, we believe impact assessment strictly requires a human in the loop to verify and judge. Review our public AI processing logs for full transparency, and use Lustra to track active legislation for instant status push notifications.

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