Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., “has been the epitome...

Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., “has been the epitome of a leader during his time in the Congress,” the American Television Alliance said, congratulating Scalise on his ascension to GOP whip Thursday (CD June 20 p11), replacing Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., who was elected majority leader. “We have seen up close how he puts policy knowledge and political skill to use for the benefit of functioning markets that help consumers.” ATVA mentioned how Scalise introduced the Next Generation Television Marketplace Act (HR-3720), “a comprehensive video reform bill that repeals many outdated laws that currently govern the video marketplace” and that has the backing of ATVA. The group’s members include the American Cable Association, DirecTV, Dish, the New America Foundation, NTCA, Time Warner Cable and USTelecom. It has aggressively lobbied Congress to revamp retransmission consent rules this year as part of Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act reauthorization, an effort that broadcasters have consistently opposed. Scalise is a member of the Communications Subcommittee and had campaigned against a clean STELA bill.