What’s the Best Use of Broadcast Airwaves?

[Commentary] As the debate rages in Washington, DC over auctioning free and local broadcast television airwaves for fee-based wireless broadband applications, one of the questions being pondered is, “What’s the highest and best use of this valuable resource?” The answer is: “It depends whom you ask.”

If you queried the residents of Joplin, many would respond: “For emergency weather warnings, because it was local TV weather forecasters who saved our lives.” Ask those who rely exclusively on broadcasting as their only source for television, and they might answer: “For free TV, because it is the best bargain anywhere. I watch news, public affairs programming and the best, most popular entertainment, and it doesn't cost me a dime.” Those in the growing pay-TV “cord-cutting” movement might say: “To supplement my online TV viewing with live sports and free TV, and to end an unpleasant relationship with my subscription-TV provider.” America’s growing immigrant population — being served by an exploding number of foreign-language channels — might answer: “For news about my culture and heritage, and programming tailored to my family and me.” Simply put, broadcast television has something for everyone.