WASHINGTON -- The National Association of Broadcasters released a statement today in anticipation of a scheduled speech by Lawrence H. Summers, the director of the National Economic Council and assistant to the president for economic policy, regarding spectrum reallocation proposals.
With regard to news reports that the White House will reference the FCC's National Broadband Plan that seeks an additional 120 MHz of spectrum from local television broadcasters, the following statement can be attributed to NAB Executive Vice President Dennis Wharton.
"Expanding broadband is important, and broadcasters will work constructively with policymakers to help them attain that objective. We appreciate FCC assurances that further reclamation of broadcast television spectrum will be completely voluntary, and we're convinced that America can have both the finest broadband and broadcasting system in the world without jeopardizing the future of free and local TV service to tens of millions of viewers. We also believe the first priority of Congress ought to be passage of spectrum inventory legislation that identifies fallow spectrum or companies that may be 'warehousing' the airwaves."
About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.