WASHINGTON – In response to today's introduction of the Viewer and Listener Protection Act in the Senate by Sens. Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) and four cosponsors, the following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith:
"NAB thanks Sens. Moran and Schatz and their colleagues for a pro-consumer, bipartisan bill that will protect tens of millions of TV viewers and radio listeners from losing local broadcasting as a result of the spectrum auction ‘repack’. This bill addresses the nearly $400 million shortfall in the $1.75 billion repack fund. It also makes clear that no broadcaster will be forced off the air if it makes a good faith effort to meet FCC deadlines.
"Broadcasters supported the voluntary spectrum auction with an understanding that local stations not participating would not be punished. The Moran/Schatz bill -- supported by Sens. Blumenthal, Inhofe, Udall and Young -- recognizes our pledge while acknowledging the indispensable role played by local broadcasting in the fabric of American life."
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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