As the FCC Tackles the Spectrum Auction, Stations are Looking Out for Viewers
July 5, 2012 at 2:11 pm 16 comments
The spectrum auction process is currently underway at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), but many questions remain as to how the auctions will be conducted and how viewers will be affected.
To that end, the president of the National Association of Broadcasters – the association representing local TV stations and networks in Washington, D.C. – sent a letter to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski reiterating that the incentive auction could directly impact the growing number of Americans that rely exclusively on free, local television and future innovation in the broadcast band.
Television stations are advocating for a fully transparent process to ensure that the impact on their viewers is minimized. Once the auction is conducted, stations may be shuffled around to create a larger swath of spectrum for wireless companies to purchase. Broadcasters want to be sure as stations are moved (or, “repacked”) viewers continue to have access to their local stations and the amount of time stations must be off the air due to moving is kept to a minimum.
To learn more about these channel moves, see this Broadcast Engineering story entitled: Channel relocation could create ‘chaos’ without proper planning.
TV stations will continue to work closely with the FCC to ensure that the spectrum auction process follows the intent of Congress and that free, local television remains an indispensable service for the American people.
Entry filed under: Uncategorized. Tags: Auction, Broadcast Band, Channel Relocation, FCC, Incentive, Repac, repacking, Spectrum.
1.
Michael J.Bucalo | February 4, 2013 at 2:58 pm
I currently receive all of my TV programing off the air using an antenna, FREE.I hope it will stay that way for years to come. MB
2.
Karen Kalpakoff | February 20, 2013 at 9:02 pm
I do too. The TV antenna (rabbit ears) is the only way I could afford to watch TV do to I am disabled & low income. Plus the programs are all G-Rated which I like very much too. Please keep TV Free..From Karen Kalpakoff
3.
Joni Kooken | February 21, 2013 at 3:41 pm
I too am disabled,slowing dieing,and do truly depend on my antenna for everything. THANKS FOR FIGHTING FOR THE TRULY NEEDY.
4.
Mabel Shapiro | February 4, 2013 at 3:38 pm
There are millions of poor people who can not afford to buy digital TV, cable, cell phone, computer along with the internet like me. What are we supposed to to and know in case of an emergency.
5.
Karen Kalpakoff | February 4, 2013 at 10:30 pm
Thank you for helping us keep free TV.. From Karen K
6.
Mabel Shapiro | March 4, 2013 at 1:02 pm
Please, don’t take away our free TV channels. I depend on the news for wanings, etc. Poor people can’t afford: cable, computers with monthly internet, cell phones; not on minimum wages if you are alone.
7.
Karen Kalpakoff | March 4, 2013 at 6:46 pm
I do not even have a cell phone. We need free TV..
8.
Virginia Waltermire | February 4, 2013 at 11:32 pm
Local channels are how we get our weather forcasts, and local news. We use our local stations more than the dish.
9.
Joni Kooken | February 9, 2013 at 11:02 pm
For Gods Sake don`t take away all we have left. We can`t afford cable,etc.We truly depend on our antenna and that box that screws up constantly! Please don`t keep us in the dark even worse than you already do
10.
Karen Kalpakoff | February 10, 2013 at 2:56 pm
I am a disable nurse. I barely can afford my medication and my hot water bill, so I cannot pay for TV. So, please keep us with free TV.. Plus it is G-Rated.. Thank You from Karen Kalpakoff
11.
Karen Kalpakoff | February 10, 2013 at 2:58 pm
Thank you for fighting to keep Free TV….
12.
Mabel | February 20, 2013 at 5:37 pm
I can’t afford cable. I depend on free channels for news, warning, etc.
13.
Karen Kalpakoff | March 4, 2013 at 6:44 pm
Please, I am disable & I do not get out of the house very often and the Free TV that I grew up watching is mostly my only friend. Please keep Free TV… I cannot afford cable.. From Karen Kalpakoff
14.
Virginia Waltermire | March 4, 2013 at 10:51 pm
I depend on free local stations for all my weather and news. I watch local stations most of the time.I can’t afford the others.
15.
Joni Kooken | March 5, 2013 at 2:56 pm
We truly need our antenna T.V.,even if it is lousy since they made us use that stupid box on different air waves.(Thank our government for that blunder,They knew!) It barely works,blanks out all the time(especially around (9+10P.M.)That`s our news time here or the end of it or a show. We miss a lot constantly. What a great government plot against the needy!
16.
Karen Kalpakoff | March 13, 2013 at 2:12 pm
Thanks for joining our fight to keep “TV FREE “. From Karen Kalpakoff