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DRAFT BILL BY DEMS COULD LEAD TO THE END OF LPTV
BILL WOULD GIVE AN ADDITIONAL $1 BILLION FOR REPACKING COSTS TO THE PRIVILEGED AUCTION ELIGIBLE STATIONS, BUT NOT A PENNY TO LPTV AND TV TRANSLATORS
WILL NAB AND THE REPUBLICANS HAVE THE GUTS TO ADD LPTV AND TRANSLATOR COSTS INTO THE BILL? OR WILL THEY DO LIKE THEY DID IN 2015 AND IN CONGRESS ONLY SUPPORT THEIR OWN INTERESTS?
OR ARE WE JUST BEING SOLD DOWN THE RIVER AGAIN BY BIG MONEY? FEEL THE BERN?
This draft discussion bill was just released today, and it ain't pretty folks. Congressman Frank Pallone of New Jersey is offering auction eligible stations which are repacked an additional $1 billion if they need it for the repack, but $0 for LPTV and translators.
Further, the bill authorizes the FCC to conduct a "regional repacking" so that the wireless winners can get to their spectrum faster. And in the process, eliminate the opportunity for LPTV and translators to get repacked in a timely manner.
I will tell you now, that if Congress and the FCC think they can dictate to the private sector who gets contracts with tower crews ahead of LPTV and leave us without a way to build out our displacement channels, well prepare for a fight.
The real action will be what NAB and the Repubs will do. It is time for both of them to stand up and get LPTV and translator relocation funding included in this bill!!!!!
NAB is quoted in saying...
"NAB strongly supports House Commerce Ranking Member Pallone's pro-consumer TV auction discussion draft legislation. Millions of viewers reliant on broadcast television could be seriously harmed if this auction is not handled correctly. Ranking Member Pallone is proposing a smart, consumer-friendly approach that addresses urgent 'repacking' issues that must be addressed to achieve a successful and truly voluntary incentive auction. NAB looks forward to working in a bipartisan fashion to protect broadcast viewers in communities across the country."
The draft bill also sets aside $90 million for consumer education so viewers will not miss their games show, CW network, and other essential programming.
The draft also says that if all of the $1 billion for additional relocation funding is not used it is returned to the Treasury.
So, are you as pissed off as I am about this? I challenge any of you to call Pallone's office and complain about the lack of assistance for LPTV and TV translators in the '"Viewer Protection Act of 2016"
Rep. Frank Pallone Jr.
Democrat from New Jersey, District 6
237 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC
202-225-4671
I then want you to call the Republicans. Many of you complain that LPTV and translators suffer because of the Dems, but do not forget, the Repubs have done NOTHING for us also, nothing, nada, zero, zed.
Committee on Energy and Commerce
Republicans
(202) 225-2927
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