Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Cory Gardner (R-CO), along with Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03), today applauded the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) approval of La Plata county’s petition for inclusion in the Denver television market for satellite television. Colorado lawmakers have long advocated on behalf of Southwest Colorado to the FCC, most recently sending a letter urging the FCC to approve the petition.
The county’s market modification petition requested the FCC permanently modify the Denver local television market to include La Plata County, which would allow La Plata County satellite subscribers to access Denver broadcast television. Currently, La Plata and Montezuma counties receive television broadcasts from New Mexico rather than Colorado, and therefore do not receive local news, sports, and emergency information.
“This is common sense. Coloradans should have access to Colorado news, sports, and emergency information,” Bennet said. “Today’s announcement reflects the hard work and collaboration of our community leaders, satellite providers, and broadcasters. We will continue to work with all parties to provide Denver television to the Four Corners region once and for all.”
“I applaud the FCC’s decision to approve La Plata County’s request to access Denver TV,” Gardner said. “Since my time in the House of Representatives, I have worked with members of both parties and local officials to bring Colorado TV to the southwest and resolve the issue. Today’s announcement is the result of a bipartisan, locally-driven effort, and it’s welcome news for many people in Colorado who have waited too long for access to the Denver broadcast market.”
“I am pleased to hear that the FCC has approved La Plata County’ s request to access the Denver TV market,” Tipton said. “I have held many meetings with the FCC and broadcasters to determine how we can bring Colorado broadcasts to the Four Corners, and I applaud the FCC, my congressional colleagues, and the communities in southwestern Colorado for working to make this happen.”