Go Pack Go Act of 2025

This bill lets cable and satellite TV customers in certain Wisconsin border counties choose to get an in‑state network channel from a nearby TV market, even if their “local market” is in another state. Customers can pick their usual local channel, the in‑state nearby channel, or both. If they choose only the in‑state nearby channel, the TV provider is treated as meeting its normal local‑channel duty for that customer. Satellite companies only have to offer this if it’s technically possible, as decided by the FCC. For cable companies, carrying the in‑state nearby channel to these counties is allowed without extra permissions and is treated as if that channel is widely available in the area. These special in‑state nearby channels also don’t count against certain federal limits on how many out‑of‑market channels can be carried.

This applies only to subscribers living in these Wisconsin counties: Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Dunn, Florence, Iron, Pierce, Polk, Sawyer, St. Croix, and Washburn—if their county doesn’t already have an in‑state station for that network in their local TV market. The bill also updates copyright rules so eligible satellite customers in these counties can receive the in‑state nearby channel under the standard license.

• Key points
  • Who is affected: Cable and satellite subscribers in the listed Wisconsin counties near state borders.
  • What changes: They can elect to receive an in‑state, adjacent‑market network channel; providers are treated as meeting local‑channel rules if that’s the only channel chosen; satellite must provide it only if technically feasible; cable can carry it without extra permission; certain channel limits don’t apply.
  • When: The text does not set a special start date (it would take effect after becoming law).