Broadcasters Emerging as Winner in FCC Reauthorization Process So Far

Democratic Reps of the House Commerce Committee, a panel considering the first reauthorization of the Federal Communications Commission in 27 years, are finding some common cause with their Senate Republican counterparts in efforts likely to help the broadcasting industry. The Democratic Reps and Senate Commerce Committee Republicans both support some version of the Viewer Protection Act, introduced by House Commerce Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-NJ).

The House bill would create a $1 billion fund to facilitate broadcasters’ move to other channels — in a process known as repacking — after they gave up their low-band spectrum for an FCC auction offered to wireless carriers that want to use those airwaves for next-generation services. Pallone’s legislation also calls for $90 million that would go specifically toward educating viewers on the transition. Across the Capitol, several Senate Commerce Committee Republicans support legislation similar to the Viewer Protection Act.