Payroll tax cut extension includes spectrum provisions

Congressional conferees working on the payroll tax cut extension have reached an agreement which includes provisions regarding voluntary incentive auctions of TV broadcast spectrum.

“Congress has agreed upon spectrum provisions that protect local viewers’ access to the invaluable news, emergency information, weather warnings and entertainment provided by the free, over-the-air television broadcast stations in their communities,” said TAB President Ann Arnold.

“This legislation will allow broadcasters to continue their tradition of innovating, deploying new technologies and building local communities with their public service contributions which in Texas totaled more than $4.3 billion over the past 12 years.”

Under the agreement, television viewers are assured they won’t lose their local broadcast television stations.  In addition, no stations will be forced to move to interference-laden zones of the broadcast spectrum, thereby retaining the opportunity to deploy new broadcast technologies such as Mobile DTV.  Expenses incurred by stations because of channel reassignments will be offset by a $1.75 billion relocation fund.

Regulators also are limited to conducting just one auction of broadcast TV airwaves, providing much-needed certainty for the industry at a time of extraordinary technological advancements.

“TAB salutes the hard work of the Texas Congressional delegation in ensuring a common-sense approach to spectrum management.  We look forward to working with policymakers in Washington to implement the policy without harming the millions of viewers who rely on and enjoy their local broadcast television programs,” Arnold said.