Senators Question FCC Repack Time, Money

Sens Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler saying they “interested in learning more about the FCC’s plan to ensure a successful repack of television stations that minimizes disruption to viewers and local broadcasters.” Specifically, the two wrote, they want information “on the agency’s preparation for the possibility that the 39-month timetable for repacking may be insufficient” and asked for details on what the FCC intends to do should the $1.75 billion TV Broadcaster Relocation Fund “be inadequate to fully compensate local stations that are required to be relocated in order to accommodate the auction.”

Sens Cantwell and Shaheen said they are worried about the “sheer volume of variables that are difficult to predict or impossible to control.” In addition, they said, they are concerned “that the FCC cannot ensure that antennas, transmitters and other equipment necessary for relocation will be available to stations to ensure a seamless repack.” “Finally,” they continued, “there remains a lack of clarity on how the status of border agreements regarding channel assignments with Canada and Mexico will impact the timing of this repack.” They requested that the commission provide an analysis of whether the $1.75 billion and 39-month time frame are adequate for the repack “within 105 days after the completion of the forward portion of the auction.”