WASHINGTON – In response to the introduction of the Viewer Protection Act by House Energy & Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and 10 cosponsors, the following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith:
"As FCC Chairman Pai made clear during yesterday’s hearing, the Commission’s $1.75 billion fund is simply insufficient to fairly reimburse those broadcasters forced to relocate channels in order to accommodate the incentive auction. Ranking Member Pallone’s legislation addresses this shortfall, and further ensures that millions of TV viewers and radio listeners retain access to local news, weather, sports and emergency weather warnings during and after the "repack".
"NAB thanks Ranking Member Pallone for his leadership and looks forward to working with him and his colleagues in both parties to ensure a just and reasonable repack process."
Original cosponsors of the bill are Reps. G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Mike Doyle (D-PA), Gene Green (D-TX), Jerry McNerney (D-CA), Grace Napolitano (D-CA), Bobby Rush (D-IL), and Peter Welch (D-VT).
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.
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