Regular readers of this newsletter will remember that last spring we reported on a "secret" meeting hosted by FCC, and attended by dozens of senior FCC officials, PBS managers, NAB staff, and lots of members of the wireless industry. Notably and purposely excluded were any representatives of Class A's, LPTV, or independent translators (the majority of translators unlike NAB would have you think).
At the time the FCC officials said nothing was wrong, and that they were there just to observe - which we now know is bull crap. We know that they actively engaged in the meeting, and actually came up with the current mechanism for how to use their "delegated authority" to screw LPTV and indie translators.
NAB also lied to us about this meeting, and now we see what they were up to. Getting more money for their members, keep LPTV out of the bill, and once again screw the little guy. Thanks Gordo, guess you are earning that million a year for life contract you got.
Many of you will also remember we complained directly to the FCC Office of Inspector General about that it was an inappropriate meeting at the FCC without LPTV and Class A interests there. The Inspector General's office said it would not do anything, even though literally billions are at stake in the auction, and over a billion in LPTV damages are happening. Time to investigate that office I say.
So yesterday NAB said...
"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."
So NAB strongly supports the legislation, but for them to call it "pro-consumer", what crap. What about the millions of LPTV viewers? What is so fraking pro-consumer about wiping them out?
NAB then says that the bill is "smart, consumer-friendly approach", again what crap. There is nothing smart about leaving all, and I will say again ALL LPTV and translators behind in the repack.
Remember, a "regional repacking" which CTIA and the winning bidders want, is all about clearing LPTV and indie translators well before 39 months. What if you are in the first market they clear? You might only have less than a year to stay on-channel and not the 39 months the FCC has been saying. LIES, LIES, LIES!!! And then when you go to build out all of the tower crews have been "forced by the government" to only work on the full power installs!
OK folks, this is getting serious now, and we need to stop this bill or be included in it.
WAKE UP LPTV & INDEPENDENT TRANSLATORS
Some of you have let me know that you have called Pallone's office to complain about the lack of assistance for LPTV and TV translators in the '"Viewer Protection Act of 2016". What are the rest of you waiting for, just do it!
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, nothing, nada, zero, zed. Some of them say the words LPTV and tv translators, but what have they done? Which bills have they sponsored to really help us?
Committee on Energy and Commerce
Republicans
(202) 225-2927
