April 15, 2011 – Returning from the National Association of Broadcasters Convention, Greg Herman, President of
SpectrumEvolution.org (SEO), said he was pleased at FCC Chairman Genachoswki’s statement that he
is encouraged that broadcasters are tackling the challenges of a multi-platform broadband world as well
as working/experimenting with new technologies, platforms, and business models.
SEO is an advocacy group, promoting fair, plausible and intelligent broadcast spectrum policy, and
emphasizing that spectrum use should “evolve” and be driven primarily by private entrepreneurial
creativity and marketplace forces.
“SEO is very pleased that FCC Chairman Genachoswki [in his speech at the NAB Convention on April
12th] has publicly recognized that innovation in the broadband world is already taking place in the hands
of broadcasters,” Mr. Herman said. “His statement leads us to believe that all of our efforts to promote
the flexible use of broadcast spectrum by broadcasters, has reached the Chairman’s ears and we look
forward to the Commission providing even greater opportunity for broadcasters to deploy now!”
Herman also applauded the Chairman’s recognition that the FCC should look at whether there are
regulatory barriers that can be reduced or eliminated or initiatives that should be considered to support
the efforts broadcasters are making to reach an audience that relies increasingly on broadbandconnected
computers.
Herman commented, “SEO hopes that the FCC will promptly do what it says it
should do and will recognize the universally acknowledged, critical contributions that small businesses
have historically made to economic development, innovation, and job creation.”
In addition, the Chairman’s recognition that Washington, D.C. tends to use the tactic of choice — delay,
more often than not, is unfortunate but true. His comment on this topic resonates with SEO and
strengthens our belief that he will fully support and immediately grant the request for experimental
licenses like the one submitted by WatchTV, Inc., that will help enable broadcasters to fulfill the many
laudable aspirations of the National Broadband Plan.
Finally, SEO was one of 25 sponsors of the annual Low Power Television (LPTV) event, held Monday,
April 11th, during the NAB Convention. Herman and others addressed over 300 attendees, who listened
attentively to presentations concerning the future of the LPTV industry, including the pending FCC digital
transition rulemaking, the impact on channel repacking and incentive auctions, the FCC’s disregard of
LPTV on its new website, and finally the vast potential uses and benefits of alternative technologies and
how they could create new revenues model for LPTV operators nationwide.
“Chairman Genachowski…. Let’s Roll Up Our Sleeves and Get To Work!”
For additional information about SEO and its initiatives, log on to www.SpectrumEvolution.org.
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