LPTV Spectrum Rights Coalition Weighs Ryan's Speakership

The LPTV Spectrum Rights Coalition believes the selection of Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., to the House speakership will mean “no more backroom deals with leadership only, and any member can offer an amendment,” it said in a message last week. The coalition weighed Ryan’s possible interest in spectrum and low-power TV issues. “Wisconsin has three Class A's, of which, two have opening bids totaling more than $150 million combined,” the coalition said of the FCC incentive auction. “Wisconsin also has about 62 LPTV and TV translators. Nationally, there are more than 7500 licenses and permits, so we are talking about less than 1% of them in Wisconsin. But heck, the new Speaker is a policy wonk and numbers guy. He will look at anything which can bring down the deficit, and our proposed LPTV and TV translator voluntary spectrum rights buyback in 2016 and auction in 2023 does exactly that. And now that the new Budget Deal includes a federal spectrum auction in 2023-2025, why not LPTV and translators spectrum?” Coalition chief Mike Gravino has discussed such a legislative proposal with Capitol Hill offices, including senior staffers for House Communications Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden, R-Ore. (see 1510150066). The coalition’s website seeks donations for its legislative goals. “We need to raise $100k to support the research and advocacy of a new bill for LPTV and TV translators,” the coalition said. “We want a share of the now $23 billion which the AWS-3 auction valued our spectrum at.” The coalition asks potential donors to help it “go on the offense” with its legislation.