Genachowski to Broadcasters: Hear Us Out on Spectrum Auction

At the National Association of Broadcasters convention in Las Vegas, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski once again attempted to sell the FCC's spectrum incentive auction plan to broadcasters, many of them skeptical.

Chairman Genachowski mentioned that it was his third NAB presentation as chairman, along with many visits as a broadcaster and trade association staffer, and took pains to paint a rosy economic picture for local broadcasters. He said the incentive auction for broadcasters' spectrum might well be a favorable opportunity for the 40% of TV stations not getting retransmission consent cash, and for those who do not air local news. But Chairman Genachowski stressed that broadcasters in all markets, and of all sizes, should at least hear the details of the plan. "It's an unprecedented opportunity [for broadcasters] to improve their financial position," he said. "Don't be afraid to be interested. Others already are."