That’s the opinion of Adonis Hoffman, a former senior legal advisor to FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn. He noted the lack of public service obligations of companies that will be adding spectrum, and the reverse Robin Hood effect inflicted on LPTV in a New York Times editorial.
He wonders who will fill in for broadcasters in terms of local service.
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Describing the broadcast business, Hoffman wrote, “When it comes to meeting the information needs of local communities, nobody does it better — not cable and not the Internet or wireless service providers. When the flood waters rise or the cell towers fail, local broadcasters are the go-to medium for news, weather and safety information from coast to coast.”
He also noted that 20% of Americans get their broadcast stations over the air and are beyond the reach of cable or satellite, period.
When it comes to LPTV, he was critical of harming very small, often minority-owned companies that provide very local service for the benefit of deep-pocketed telcos that will be taking over television spectrum.
He noted that many LPTVs will be forced to move to a new channel at their own expense or may be forced off the air entirely.
Hoffman concluded, “Ultimately, the FCC is duty-bound to uphold the public interest. Local broadcasters have expanded those obligations as responsible custodians of the public airwaves. Can we expect the same from the new owners, or will policymakers need to write new rules for getting important public service information to communities?”
