Tsunami warnings show value of TV airwaves, broadcasters say

The broadcasting industry is seizing the chance to point out the importance of television and radio stations in delivering public safety instructions to Hawaii residents as officials prepare for the first tsunami in 16 years. The industry's lobbying group says the tsunami warnings reinforce the dangers of proposals in Washington to reclaim their airwaves for mobile broadband services. The National Association of Broadcasters has fought back against proposals to take spectrum away from stations, arguing that the services provided over their airwaves are more important than ever. "New apps for iPhones are fine, but in times of crisis, there is no service that comes close to providing timely and potentially lifesaving information better than free and local broadcasters," said Dennis Wharton, NAB executive vice president of media relations.