Without comment, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal brought by the satellite television industry trying to overturn the so-called "carry-one, carry-all" rule that requires satellite television to provide all local stations in markets where it provides any local stations.
EchoStar Communications Corp. had argued that the law violated its free-speech rights by mandating carriage of certain channels.
Terrestrial broadcasters had fought the satellite companies, accusing them of trying to "cherry-pick" stations to the detriment of other local broadcasters.
"We're pleased that the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the 'carry one, carry all' mandate of Congress," said NAB President and CEO Edward O. Fritts. "This decision represents a major victory for viewers by enhancing the diversity of local television station choices on satellite."
The Supreme Court hears only a small percentage of the appeals brought before it.
