FCC's Martin Pitches Multicast Channel Leasing Proposal

FCC'S MARTIN PITCHES MULTICAST CHANNEL LEASING PROPOSAL
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: Glen Dickson]
FCC Chairman Kevin Martin used a speech at an American Women in Radio & Television Annual Leadership Summit in Washington Friday to make a strong pitch for his multicast channel leasing proposal, saying broadcasters should "seize the opportunity." Chairman Martin has suggested that TV stations be allowed to lease multicast channels to certain as-yet-unspecified designated entrants, who would get to program the channels and assert must-carry rights that TV stations receive. They would also have public interest obligations. He said the digital multicasting leasing plan would be "a significant opportunity for new entrants in the broadcast area," allowing them to overcome the expense of building a station and the limited availability of broadcast spectrum. After the speech, Chairman Martin said he hoped to have the notice of proposed rulemaking on what public interest obligations would apply to the spectrum leasers circulated among the commissioners by Friday.
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6423077?title=Article&spacedesc=news

* Remarks of FCC Chairman Kevin J. Martin 2007 AWRT Annual Leadership Summit Business Conference
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-271371A1.doc