FCC Launches Broadcaster Auction Education Program

Hopes to school industry on "unique financial opportunity" of giving up spectrum

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 9/28/2012 2:23:26 PM

As part of its rulemaking proposal on broadcast incentive auctions, launched Friday, the FCC has also launched the Broadcaster LEARN (Learn Everything About Reverse Auctions Now) program in an effort to make broadcasters more comfortable with a process the FCC hopes many will take advantage of for a "unique financial opportunity."

"Incentive auctions are a win for broadcasters -- both those that will take advantage of a once in a lifetime financial opportunity, and those that will choose to continue to be a part of an even healthier and diverse broadcast marketplace," said FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski in announcing the initiative.

The FCC has scheduled its first LEARN workshop for Oct. 26 and has created a Web page, to fill broadcasters in on dates and times for educational sessions, including Webinars, auction FAQs, a summary of the auction designs, related rulemakings, and links to third-party material.