Public Broadcasters Want To Hold On To Spectrum

Public broadcasters are on the same page as their commercial counterparts when it comes to holding on to their spectrum, arguing that their use is "efficient and productive, and abundantly serves the public interest." In filings with the Federal Communications Commission and in a meeting with FCC staffers last week at those staffers' request, PBS representatives made their case for why broadcasters should be allowed to continue their multiplatform strategy and how critical the over-the-air DTV component is to it. The FCC is contemplating how to free up spectrum for wireless broadband. Broadcasters are a big part of that conversation due to the propagation characteristics of their spectrum, which make it beachfront real estate for wireless broadband. "The free and universal nature of over-the-air broadcasting enables PBS and its member stations to ensure that virtually every household has access to robust, educational content and services, regardless of financial ability or geographic location," PBS told the commission, according to a disclosure statement filed with the FCC.