Future of TV Coalition, NAB Parse Wheeler's Appearance Before House Appropriators

Industry groups sought to correct the record as they saw it after FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler’s Tuesday testimony before House appropriators (see 1603150066), slamming how Wheeler characterized his set-top box proposal and the broadcaster repacking process. “It’s disappointing and troubling that Chairman Wheeler continues to dodge basic questions about his set-top box proposal,” said the Future of TV Coalition, which has NCTA and USTelecom among its members. “Dozens of programmers, content creators, lawmakers, and community leaders have spoken clearly about the devastating impact this rule will have on the programming marketplace, and particularly on the independent networks serving communities of color. They deserve honest answers -- not dismissals and dodges.” NAB referred to exchanges that Wheeler had with appropriators regarding the length of time required in the broadcaster repacking process set to follow the broadcast TV incentive auction. “It’s disappointing and disingenuous for Chairman Wheeler to suggest that NAB’s repacking advocacy supports the FCC’s arbitrary 39-month deadline,” an NAB spokesman said. “As he well knows, when the FCC initially pushed to repack the country in 18 months, NAB responded in 2013 that it would take at least 30 months to repack the then-expected 400 or so broadcasters. A year and a half later, the FCC first revealed that it might repack as many as 1,300 TV stations. Given the FCC’s decision not to minimize the scope of repacking, the transition will likely require significantly more time.”