Fox-TWC Fight Could Weaken Broadcasters' Hold on Spectrum

[Commentary] Could one of the big four television broadcasters (ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox) become a cable channel and dump its local affiliates within the next two years? If one of the big broadcasters suddenly sees more value in becoming a cable provider, where it can make money from selling advertising as well as selling access to its channel to cable providers, then its spectrum, and likely that of its affiliates, suddenly becomes vulnerable. After all, the broadcasters don't pay for their 6 MHz of spectrum in markets — it's given to them because they provide a public service. Meanwhile, the cellular industry says it needs 800 MHz of spectrum (and would love to pay for it via a revenue-generating auction), while the FCC has floated some trial balloons to take some of that spectrum from broadcasters. If broadcasters can't offer "The Simpsons" and the news for free over the air or are unwilling to, then why should the government provide broadcasters with the now-valuable spectrum? (12/29)