NAB: Reducing Spectrum Holdings Will Diminish Service

The National Association of Broadcasters has lined up a broadcast witness with a multiplatform resume to pitch the continued importance of broadcasting in that mix, including making the point that if there is a spectrum auction, they need to be able to set a reserve price, to collect their money, and to be confident that those who remain will not face future Federal Communications Commission efforts to move them off.

Broadcasters also want Congress to know that there will be an inevitable diminution of service from reducing their spectrum holdings, no matter what broadcaster protections are placed on the move. According to the written testimony of Todd Schurz, president of Schurz Communications, for a June 1 House Communications Subcommittee hearing on spectrum and incentive auctions, his company owns TV stations, cable systems, newspapers and is invested in 4G wireless. He is even a founding member of the Mobile 500 Alliance promoting mobile DTV, yet another potential platform for news and info. Through that prism of experience, Schurz still sees a rainbow of opportunity for broadcasters if the FCC does not put a damper on that vision. He also sees his company continuing to use its spectrum to serve the public "long after any auctions take place," if Congress authorizes them.