Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) do not want the FCC to simply come up with rules for spectrum auctions in the television space – they want the FCC to be actively engaged with stakeholders as they go through the process of setting up the auctions.
They expressed their views in a joint letter to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski.
“We strongly support the incentive auctions, which will generate vital revenue for deficit reduction and address the pending ‘spectrum crunch,’” they wrote. “Our global leadership in technological innovation depends on increasing available spectrum for wireless broadband communications. However, it is imperative that this effort also protect broadcasters that choose not to participate in such auctions and the American public that relies on over-the-air broadcast services for both entertainment and critical public emergency information.”
The concluded, “Our constituents deserve a transparent rulemaking process that allows sufficient opportunity to understand and provide input on any proposal affecting their broadcast service. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
