House Republicans to FCC: Back off 'detrimental' spectrum policies

Two House Republicans spoke up recently to tell Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Julius Genachowski that he should shape his policies so they don't threaten radio and TV broadcasters. 

Genachowski wants to repurpose the airwaves so they can instead be used by the wireless industry, which says it is overwhelmed with data demands and in need of capacity. 

Rep. Jo Bonner (R-Ala.) told Genachowski in a letter last week that his policies "favor only one sector of our nation's public communications system." 

"Americans should not lose reliable access to quality broadcast programming as a result of spectrum policies that could reduce the viewer reception of local stations," he said.

He has said he wants to see the wireless and broadcast industries both thrive, but members of Congress are questioning whether he really has the best interests of broadcasters in mind. 

"Millions of Americans rely on free over-the-air television as their primary source of news, information, and entertainment," Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) said in a letter to Genachowski this month." He said that although broadband adoption is important, "it is equally important that Americans continue to receive the benefits promised by the DTV transition."

The broadcasters have expressed concerns about certain spectrum proposals, but have conceded that they are OK with auctions as long as they are truly voluntary.