FCC Incentive Auction Task Force announces June 1-2 broadcaster information sessions in Texas

posted on 4.27.2015

As a part of the FCC’s ongoing outreach effort to broadcasters regarding the upcoming incentive auction of television broadcast spectrum, the Incentive Auction Task Force is conducting information sessions in cities around the country between February and June to provide broadcasters with the opportunity to learn more about the auction and repacking process.

The broadcaster information sessions follow the release of the updated information package, “Incentive Auction Opportunities for Broadcasters,” prepared for the FCC by the investment banking firm Greenhill & Co.

The FCC has scheduled two Texas visits:

• June 1, 2015: Austin, TX
• June 2, 2015: Dallas, TX

Broadcasters in markets where the commission has not scheduled an information session are encouraged to attend the closest session.

In each city, Task Force members will hold a general session to present information and address questions on the auction and the repacking process.

Members of the Task Force will also be available to meet with individual broadcasters on a confidential basis.

Broadcasters interested in attending the general session and/or scheduling a confidential meeting should email IncentiveAuctions@fcc.gov or contact Kelly Jones at (202) 418-7078 prior to the applicable information session.

Other questions may be directed to Mary Margaret Jackson, Legal Advisor to the Task Force, at MaryMargaret.Jackson@fcc.gov or (202) 418-3641 or Julissa Marenco, Assistant Chief, Media Bureau, at Julissa.Marenco@fcc.gov or (202) 418-0535.

Given the educational and informational purposes of the general sessions, including the provision of information relevant to potential participation in the auction, attendance at the general sessions will be limited to broadcasters and their representatives.

Additionally, with the limited exception described below, attendance at a general session or individual meeting and discussions with FCC personnel at the meetings regarding such matters as how the auction will work, bid options, and opening bid prices using the methodology proposed by the commission in the recent Comment Public Notice, will not require a filing under the FCC’s rules governing ex parte communications.

Presentations to FCC personnel directed to the merits or the outcome of the matters raised in the Comment Public Notice or other pending proceedings will require the filing of an ex parte notice, but any broadcaster that must make such a filing need not disclose its identity.

The FCC’s LEARN webpage includes a wide array of information for broadcasters potentially interested in participating in the incentive auction, and broadcasters are urged to visit the webpage for further information on the incentive auction. A PDF version of the updated broadcaster information package is available here: http://wireless.fcc.gov/incentiveauctions/learnprogram/Incentive_Auction_Opportunities_Book_Information_Sessions_2_13_15.pdf

A PDF version of the October 2014 version of the information package is available here: http://wireless.fcc.gov/incentiveauctions/learn-program/docs/ia-opportunities-book.pdf

Questions?  Contact TAB's Michael Schneider or call (512) 322-9944.

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