As Broadcasters "Threaten" to Shut Down, They're Not Getting the Reaction They Were Looking For

[Commentary] The fantastically-mustachioed Chase Carey of News Corp. has gotten quite a bit of support in the broadcast community for his "threat" to shut down Fox's over-the-air signals. Fox, CBS, Univision and others have said if they're not able to make antenna-rental services like Aereo illegal, then they'll simply convert to some sort of vaguely-specified "subscription model" where, presumably, rooftop and remote antennas would not be able to pick up their programming. But I'm not sure that the support and applause directed his way from some circles is quite as welcome.

Mike Masnick's reaction was typical of the tech-literate crowds I run in. He writes, “No networks are stupid enough to shut down over this, and if they are, good riddance. Put that spectrum to better use.”

Chase Carey and his supporters may have thought they were taking a tough stand in their threat to shut down their broadcast operations. But in reality they've simply laid bare the increasing anachronism of their business model, and they've shown a dismissive attitude toward the public they are supposed to serve. Broadcasters need to make sure they continue to serve the public interest by providing free, high-quality programming on the airwaves that the American people have entrusted to them. If they get bored of doing this that's their right, but they shouldn't expect to continue squatting on the public's airwaves when there are so many other things that could be done with them.