Rep. Cory Gardner, who is competing for Mark Udall’s Senate seat, has introduced an amendment to study the possibility of bringing Denver TV to Durango.

Gardner partnered with Rep. Ben Ray Luján, D-New Mexico, to introduce the amendment Thursday.

“Coloradans should be able to view local TV programming, for access to both local news and hometown sports teams,” Gardner said in a news release. “I’m glad Congressman Luján and I could work together to get this amendment passed out of committee.”

Their amendment asks the Federal Communications Commission for a report identifying areas where consumers watch broadcast programming from other markets. The commission also would study possible alternatives to designated market areas – a system of dividing America into television markets that is implemented by Nielsen, a New York firm.

Udall’s campaign was quick to point out the FCC released a similar study in 2011 after a bill passed with Udall’s support. He also hosted a forum in Durango on April 16 to examine the issue along with FCC commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel.

His campaign dismissed Gardner’s move.

“For someone new to this issue like Congressman Gardner it may make sense to propose yet another study – a study that Congress already passed into law back in 2010 – but Sen. Udall will continue to work to find a collaborative solution for southwestern Colorado,” campaign spokesman James Owens said in an email message.

La Plata County is part of Albuquerque’s designated market area, meaning many residents get TV news from Albuquerque rather than Denver. Some local residents complain they cannot view Denver Broncos games.

The issue is getting plenty of attention in this election year. The Udall-Gardner contest is among the most closely watched Senate races in the country.

A Quinnipiac University poll released April 24 found Udall with a razor-thin 45-44 percent margin over Gardner.

cslothower@durangoherald.com