Voluntary Spectrum Auctions Included in Payroll Tax Bill
Michigan’s Broadcasters want to express their appreciation to Congressmen Fred Upton, and John Dingell for working with broadcasters to maintain many of the necessities that allow for the continuation of a robust free over the air broadcasting system.
We in Michigan still argue that new technology will take up less bandwidth and thus will handle the much toted, but yet to adequately demonstrated argument of so-called “spectrum shortage” as advanced tirelessly by wireless providers. That being said, we feel that the language in the Payroll Tax Cut Extension Compromise bill fulfills most of the industries needs as spectrum auctions proceed.
NAB STATEMENT ON SPECTRUM PROVISIONS IN PAYROLL TAX CUT EXTENSION COMPROMISE
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In response to the announced compromise on extending the payroll tax cut that includes voluntary incentive auctions as a pay-for, the following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith:
"NAB salutes the tireless efforts of Congress to ensure that local broadcasters have a vibrant and robust future. Special thanks go to Chairmen Upton and Walden for steering this bill to conclusion, and to Reps. Dingell and Bilbray for a critically important amendment guaranteeing continued viewer access to TV station signals along the Canadian and Mexican borders."
"Tens of millions of Americans rely every day on local TV broadcasters for news, entertainment, sports and life-saving weather warnings. We look forward to working with Congress and the FCC to implement an incentive auction program that does not jeopardize that service." |