NAB: Needs Answers On Repacking Moving Expenses ASAP

The National Association of Broadcasters has told the Federal Communications Commission it needs to issue a separate "notice-and-comment rulemaking process" ASAP to deal with repacking reimbursement issues.

The incentive auction statute directed the FCC to set aside $1.75 billion from auction proceeds for a broadcaster relocation fund (with cable and satellite operators also able to tap that for any expenses in carrying those changed channels). The FCC is preparing to vote May 15 on a framework for the broadcast incentive auctions, including on repacking, but the NAB says the commission's recent report from outside consultant Widelity on new figures for potential covered expenses in the repacking and moving of TV stations was only a first step.

NAB says that the commission has so far failed to provide "any information as to how the Commission will use the report, or how relocating broadcasters will receive reimbursement for all expenses they incur in repacking." In comments filed regarding the Widelity report, NAB said that there could be unanticipated costs and delays that could take the transition beyond the three-year sunset for reimbursement. It argues that one key question is whether the FCC will treat the report's cost estimates as an upper limit or merely guidance -- NAB says it should be the latter.