Both US senators and 19 of 29 members of the House representing the State of New York sent a letter to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski urging him to make sure that the admirable goal of increasing spectrum for wireless broadband does not come at the expense of broadcast television.
They agreed that the auction to free up spectrum was vital, but added, “However, it is equally important that the FCC protects the ability of the public to continue to receive free over-the-air television signals from those television stations that will continue to provide their service to our constituents after the auction is completed.”
They said channel repacking ahead of the auction was particularly of concern in their state, where many challenged markets are located. Not the least of the problems is New York’s proximity to Canada, bringing an international element into the equation.
“Again,” they concluded, “we commend you on your efforts thus far. We urge you to continue on the side of disclosure as you implement this important new statute, allowing enough time for all interested parties to determine how they may be affected.”
Here are the legislators who signed the letter:
Senate
Charles E. Schumer (D-NY)
Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
House
Eliot L. Engel (D-NY)
Michael Grimm (R-NY)
Bill L. Owens (D-NY)
Louise Slaughter (D-NY)
Charles Rangel (D-NY)
Gary L. Ackerman (D-NY)
Chris Gibson (R-NY)
Richard Hanna (R-NY)
Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY)
Edolphus Towns (D-NY)
Gregory Meeks (D-NY)
Paul Tonko (D-NY)
Brian Higgins (D-NY)
Joseph Crowley (D-NY)
Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY)
Carolyn Maloney (D-NY)
Ann Marie Buerkle (R-NY)
Jerrold Nadler (D-NY)
Nita Lowey (D-NY)
Nydia Valazquez (D-NY)
