_____________ joint resolution NO. _____________

INTRODUCED BY _________________________________________________

By Request of the ****

A joint resolution of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the state of montana urging the federal communications commission to allow northwest montana residents to be classified in the direct marketing areas of montana television news networks.

WHEREAS, many northwest Montana residents reside in the direct marketing area of Spokane television news stations that preclude them from receiving relevant coverage from Montana news networks; and

WHEREAS, many Lincoln County residents, including the Lincoln County Commission, would prefer television news from Montana networks; and

WHEREAS, northwest Montana residents live in the Mountain Time Zone, while Spokane news networks broadcast from the Pacific Time Zone; and

WHEREAS, these residents are concerned with local Montana news, weather, and sports rather than Washington state's news; and

WHEREAS, Montanans have a strong tradition of watching the evening news as a family, but without relevant Montana news stations, they often rely on the local newspaper in the northwest regions of the state.

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate and the House of Representatives OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

(1) That the Federal Communications Commission be urged to exclude Montana communities from the Spokane direct marketing area to allow for Montanans to receive their local television news.

(2) That the Secretary of State send a copy of this resolution to the Federal Communications Commission and to each member of the Montana Congressional Delegation.