NAB says FCC has to mandate 'voluntary' spectrum auctions to meet broadband goal

The National Association of Broadcasters released an analysis that criticized the Federal Communicaitons Commission’s National Broadband Plan, noting that 40% of full-power local TV stations could have to vacate their channels in order for the FCC to reclaim 120 megazhertz of broadcast spectrum.
CTIA immediately responded to NAB’s press release with its own, saying NAB is using scare tactics to intimidate lawmakers, noting the auction is voluntary and that costs associated with moving from the spectrum would be reimbursed.
The NAB said 672 of the nation’s 1,735 full-power TV stations would have to be cleared from channels 31 to 51 to support the FCC’s goal, noting only 174 channels had to be cleared during the transition from analog to digital TV.
“If the FCC’s National Broadband Plan to recapture 20 more TV channels is implemented, service disruption, confusion and inconvenience for local television viewers will make the 2009 DTV transition seem like child’s play,” said NAB President Gordon Smith. “NAB endorses truly voluntary spectrum auctions. Our concern is that the FCC plan will morph into involuntary, because it is impossible for the FCC to meet spectrum reclamation goals without this becoming a government mandate.”
To date, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski has been consistent that the voluntary spectrum auctions would be voluntary, incenting TV broadcasters that are not using their spectrum to return it to the government in exchange for money.
For its part, the broadcaster’s group said top 10 TV markets would be dramatically impacted with 73 stations in the largest 10 markets going off the air, and northern cities would face severe disruptions due to international obligations with Canada.
“We’ve waited patiently for over a year for FCC data on how the Broadband Plan impacts broadcasters, and more importantly, the tens of millions of viewers who rely every day on local TV for news, entertainment, sports and lifeline emergency weather information,” said the NAB’s Smith. “Even Congress can’t get information from the FCC. All we are seeking is more transparency. We have but one chance to get this right if we are to preserve future innovation for broadcasters and our viewers.”