Key House GOP Leader Looking Out for Broadcasters in Spectrum Fight

Bill would protect those who don't give up spectrum

WASHINGTON—Broadcasters were breathing a sigh of relief Wednesday, at the conclusion of a House subcommittee hearing about reallocating some of the TV spectrum to meet the nation's wireless spectrum needs.

The hearing was led by Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore., himself a former broadcaster. He told reporters afterwards that he was ready to work on legislation, but that it would be legislation that would include protections for broadcasters.

"He's the right chairman," said more than one broadcast lobbyist in the hall outside the hearing room.

Though Walden wouldn't go into details, he said his bill would head down the path of authorizing the Federal Communications Commission to hold auctions of spectrum voluntarily relinquished by TV broadcasters.

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