Remarks of Commissioner O'Rielly Before the New York State Broadcasters Association Summer Conference

Commissioner Michael O'Rielly of the Federal Communications Commission joined broadcasters in criticizing the FCC's proposal to set aside a channel after the incentive auction for the use of unlicensed devices -- wireless mics will have to share that channel. "If the Commission were to proceed down this path," Commissioner O'Rielly said, "the ability of full-power broadcast stations to make modifications or seek new allotments, after the repacking process, could be limited, endangering the future of the broadcast industry," he said. "I find it ludicrous that the Commission would even consider this, not to mention that it is inconsistent with the Spectrum Act and encompassing Communications Act.

Commissioner O'Rielly said he would continue to oppose decisions reducing auction revenues and funding available to compensate broadcasters. He said that would include opposing reserving low-band spectrum in the forward auction for carriers other than Verizon and AT&T, and the FCC's proposal to put the best, unimpaired spectrum, in that reserve. Commissioner O'Rielly suggested that broadcasters, too, needed to speak up on those forward auction issues that could limit the auction. "I respectfully suggest that you not ignore the forward auction and wireless issues in your advocacy. These decisions have the potential to impact your industry -- and potentially your individual stations -- more than you may think, regardless of whether you opt to continue serving your communities or chose to leave the market," he said.