Walden Questions FCC Spectrum Plan

Stepping up as a champion of broadcasters, House Communications Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-Ore.) today said he is skeptical that the FCC’s plan for reclaiming a large swath of broadcast spectrum from broadcasters is as voluntary as the FCC claims it is.

“What’s voluntary?” he asked during a Media Institute speech. “When I hear voluntary, and I hear $27.8 billion and I hear repacking and then I hear what the FCC chairman said this week, it doesn’t sound very voluntary.”

The $27.8 billion refers to one estimate for how much the reclaimed spectrum would be worth at auction to wireless broadband providers. In a speech yesterday, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski tacitly accused broadcasters of floating “misimpressions” about the spectrum plan.

Echoing broadcasters, Walden said the government should conduct a thorough review of what spectrum is available before reclaiming any spectrum to make sure it is necessary.

“I understand the value of the spectrum.” he said. “I understand the demand for it. It is important as we go forward to determine who has it, who’s using it and is anybody sitting on it. And how do we get the best use out of the spectrum.”

Walden also criticized how the Genachowski FCC functions. “We have seen a pattern at the FCC that has not always been the best open public process,” he said.

“Sometimes it seems they have reached their decision, then conducted their record and then gone to court and lost,’’ he said. “I think it is important to restructure how the FCC operates.’’

Walden, a former radio broadcaster, also expressed his appreciation for the industry. “Broadcasters do an extraordinary good job informing the country satisfying the communities to which they serve. I am a big fan obviously.’’