The president’s proposed federal budget for fiscal 2014 lets the FCC charge both broadcasters and any others that didn’t receive spectrum through an auction a fee.
STATION ADVISORY
Specter Of Spectrum Fees Returns Again
In the past few days, details have emerged from the White House regarding the funding sources being proposed to cover the cost of the American Jobs Act. In the government’s search for cash, it should surprise no one that in addition to broadcast spectrum auction language, spectrum fees are also being proposed. While there is some good news for television broadcasters, who are exempt from the fees in the current draft of the bill, you can never tell if that exemption will survive the rough and tumble legislative process.
