I urge congress to reject efforts by the pay-TV lobby that could jeopardize my ability to receive local, broadcast TV channels.

The pay-TV lobby wants to give big cable and satellite TV companies the upper hand over local TV broadcasters, which could ultimately threaten free, local TV for 60 million Americans. It could also result in price increases for viewers who already subscribe to a pay-TV service by allowing cable companies to move local channels into a more expensive package.

Minority families, the elderly and rural populations disproportionately depend on free, local TV. These changes could impact those who can least afford it, yet heavily depend on local TV as a lifeline during emergencies.

My family depends on our local TV stations to keep us safe in times of crisis and to bring us the news, weather and community information we rely on each day and the network programs we love to watch.