Arlington, VA – 07/25/2011 – Senior Vice President, Government Affairs Michael Petricone, today issued the following statement regarding the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) study on spectrum incentive auctions:

“The NAB study sets up and knocks down a purely fictional straw man. The study presumes an unrealistic scenario in which every single existing TV station continues to operate over-the-air. However in the event of incentive spectrum auctions, it is highly likely numerous stations will capitalize on their spectrum assets by exiting the business or sharing resources.

“More, the NAB study implies that many broadcasters will be forced to auction their spectrum. However, current congressional legislation includes only voluntary incentive auctions and reimbursement expenses for relocation costs.

“Our nation faces a crisis as demand for wireless spectrum will soon outstrip supply. Meanwhile, the number of Americans relying purely on over-the-air TV is less than 10 percent, according to both CEA and Nielsen market research. Incentive auctions would be a financial windfall for broadcasters, free up the spectrum necessary for the next generation of American innovation to move forward and bring in $33 billion to the U.S. Treasury.

“Spectrum auctions would be a win-win-win for the United States. CEA, CTIA – the Wireless Association, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Obama Administration and numerous members of Congress support spectrum incentive auctions. NAB stands alone and is simply trying to protect its business interests.”