To Some, Selling Spectrum Could Makes Sense

For some group owners, especially those with multiple stations in major markets, the Federal Communications Commission’s upcoming incentive auction is starting to look like an opportunity to reap a cash windfall.

LIN Media CEO Vince Sadusky and CTO Brett Jenkins acknowledged that the station group might sell some of its TV spectrum in the FCC’s planned incentive auction. It would be a way of turning Class A low-power stations and full-power duopoly stations into cash, Sadusky said. "[W]e think that there could be a value creation capability option." Both LIN and Meredith say they’re considering participating. And for others like Ion and Univision, the financial rewards are very tempting.