Republican Sticks Up For Broadcasters

Rep. Bonner asks for more even handed approach to spectrum policy

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 3/30/2011 6:35:50 PM

Republican Rep. Jo Bonner (R-Ala.) has written the FCC to ask Chairman Julius Genachowski for a more "even handed" approach to spectrum policy.

Bonner said that millions rely on free over-the-air television as the primary source of news and information. "I agree that the greater broadband deployment is important," he said. "However, in promoting broadband adoption, it is equally important that Americans continue to receive the benefits promised by the DTV transition."

Bonner pointed to the DTV transition and the government's expenditures on converter boxes, saying that "Americans should not lose reliable access to quality broadcast programming as a result of spectrum policies that could reduce viewer reception of local stations.

The FCC has proposed allowing wireless companies to share broadcast bandwidth and TV stations to share their channels as part of an effort to reclaim spectrum for wireless broadband. Broadcasters are concerned that could leave them with insufficient spectrum or picture quality to offer completive digital services.