In spectrum auction, stations advised to take skeptical view of opening bids

Consultants are warning public TV licensees not to put too much weight on the opening bids for 2016’s spectrum auction, which the Federal Communications Commission is expected to release as soon as the week of Oct 13. So say John Lawson, former president of the Association of Public Television Stations, and Vincent Curren, former Corporation for Public Broadcasting COO. Over-the-air viewership is growing, they said, and innovations in broadcast technology holds promise for new revenue models for stations that continue to broadcast over the air.

In addition, the cellular carriers who will buy spectrum won’t be interested in most markets. “Many stations are going through a lot of effort, which you have to do, figuring out your strategy and making your decision to participate in the auction,” Curren said. “And many of those stations will wind up without having any of their bids accepted.” APTS officials also warned that stations in many markets were not likely to see bids. Outside of the largest markets, they said, licensees will be lucky to see half of opening bids when the bidding process ends.