ION Media Networks Joins Association for Maximum Service Television

TV-Station Owner Joins Spectrum-Policy Watchdog

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 1/3/2008 11:42:00 AM

ION Media Networks said Thursday that it joined the Association for Maximum Service Television (MSTV), broadcasters' spectrum policy watchdog on the Potomac.

ION adopted an aggressive digital-TV strategy, including launching several program services over 59 TV stations' digital-multicast channels and pushing for a mobile-broadcasting standard to help broadcasters get a piece of the growing market in video delivered to the really small screen.

“ION and MSTV are aligned on many important opportunities that lie ahead for our industry, including over-the-air digital and high-definition broadcasting,” ION president Brandon Burgess said.

The announcement came just days after the Federal Communications Commission approved Citadel Investment Group’s purchase of a stake in the stations.