NAB's Smith Lobbies Pai on Repacking
The FCC’s current repacking plan and timeline will lead to service disruptions for broadcasters in the repacking and some that aren’t, said NAB President Gordon Smith in a meeting with Chairman Ajit Pai Tuesday, according to an ex parte filing…
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in docket 12-268. “NAB continues to urge the Commission to adopt a flexible, balanced approach to repacking that is fair to all stakeholders, while avoiding disruption to existing broadcast service.” The transition plan has been appealed by NAB with a petition for reconsideration (see 1703170055). The plan “may result in viewers losing service despite the best efforts of broadcasters, vendors and Commission staff” because “broadcasters are required to cease operation on their pre-auction channels after 39 months, without exception,” the group said. “NAB is also concerned that the transition plan does not take into account the potentially significant impact the repack will have on non-repacked broadcasters, including FM radio stations.”