Washington, D.C. – Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D) and Cory Gardner (R) along with U.S. Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) today applauded the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) decision to uphold their previous decision allowing Denver television broadcasts for satellite viewers in La Plata County. Currently, La Plata County receives satellite television broadcasts from New Mexico rather than Colorado, and thus does not receive the same in-state local news, sports, and emergency information millions of other Coloradans enjoy. Today’s decision allows the process to move forward to bring Colorado TV to Southwestern Colorado.
Bennet, Gardner, and Tipton have long advocated on behalf of Southwest Colorado regarding this issue and today’s decision is a product of their years of work.
“Whether it’s a severe weather alert or catching a Broncos game, it’s commonsense that people living in Colorado should have access to content from their own state,” said Bennet. “For nearly 10 years, we have worked with Montezuma and La Plata Counties, Denver broadcasters, and satellite providers to bring Denver broadcasts to the Four Corners region, and today’s decision by the FCC puts us one step closer to a resolution. We will continue our efforts on behalf of the people of southwest Colorado.”
“Since my time in the House of Representatives, I have worked to bring Denver TV to Southwestern Colorado and today’s news is a positive step forward,” said Gardner. “For too long, many Coloradans living in the Four Corners region have not been able to get Colorado news, weather, sports, and critical emergency information and it’s about time we fix this once and for all. Today’s announcement is positive, but there is more work to be done and I will continue to work with the interested stakeholders to resolve this issue as quickly as possible.”
“I applaud the FCC’s decision to expedite the process of bringing Colorado TV to residents in Southwest Colorado,” said Tipton. “It is well past time that this issue be resolved. I look forward to continued engagement with all parties involved in this issue until all Coloradans have the ability to watch their local news, weather and sports.”
