Remarks of Commissioner Pai Chief of Staff Matthew Berry at the Florida Association of Broadcasters

Throughout the incentive auction proceeding, Commissioner [Ajit] Pai has fought for the Federal Communications Commission to treat broadcasters fairly. What dose that mean? To begin with, the FCC should do everything that it can to hold harmless those broadcasters who either do not participate in the reverse auction or whose bids in the reverse auction are not accepted. Congress created a fund of $1.75 billion to reimburse broadcasters for their relocation expenses following the incentive auction. The FCC's goal therefore should be to implement a repacking plan that will cost no more than $1.75 billion.

It would be unfair for the FCC to require televisions ratios receiving no befit from the auction to pay for relocation expenses out of there own pockets. That is not what Congress intended. Additionally, the FCC should ensure that following the incentive auction television broadcasters receive top priority in the portion of the UHF band primarily allocated for broadcast television....These are just a few of the issues of concern to broadcasters that are on the FCC's plate. And as we move forward with these and other matters, please don't hesitate to contact our office and share your suggestions. We have found that there is no substitute for direct dialogue with those who are required to comply with the FCC's rules on a daily basis. Our door is always open to you.