WASHINGTON, DC -- In response to today's release of omnibus appropriations legislation that includes $1 billion in additional funding for the broadcast spectrum incentive auction repack, the following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith:
“NAB welcomes the omnibus appropriations bill’s inclusion of RAY BAUM'S Act along with funding that fully and fairly reimburses broadcasters for their spectrum repack relocation expenses. Chairmen Walden and Thune and Ranking Members Pallone and Nelson have been tireless in their efforts to correct the repack fund shortfall and we thank them for their leadership on this issue. In addition, we are thankful to Appropriations Chairmen Cochran and Frelinghuysen, Vice Chairman Leahy, Ranking Member Lowey and congressional leaders for recognizing the importance of resolving this important issue to the benefit of broadcast listeners and viewers across the country.
"We urge immediate passage of this omnibus legislation and look forward to a repack process that holds harmless TV broadcasters, local radio stations and the tens of millions of Americans who rely on our services every day."
The bill appropriates $600 million for the spectrum auction repack fund in FY 2018, with up to $350 million authorized for full-power stations' relocation, up to $150 million for low-power TV station and translator relocation, up to $50 million for radio stations' expenses and $50 million for consumer education. An additional $400 million in funding is appropriated for FY 2019.
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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