Rep Pitts pitches value of broadcast television to FCC chair

“The finest communications system in the world relies on both free, over-the-air broadcast television and high speed broadband services,” wrote Rep Joseph Pitts (R-PA) in a letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski.

“Accordingly, I write today to state my view that spectrum policies will best serve the public if they allow for a continued and robust local broadcast television service along with broadband services.” “Americans should not lose reliable access to quality broadcast programming as a result of spectrum policies that could reduce viewer reception of local stations,” wrote rep Pitts. “Similarly, they should not lose potential services because of new spectrum taxes on local stations. Such measures would impede the public’s access not only to entertainment and local news programming, but also to vital emergency information. Television viewers should also be allowed to continue to benefit from broadcast video innovation, including mobile DTV.” He asked that all FCC policy keep the all are considered when spectrum policy is being made including “…rural and urban, young and old, wealthy and poor.”