Spectrum Auction Group EOBC Disbanding

The Expanding Opportunities for Broadcasters Coalition is disbanding as of Sept. 30, citing anti-collusion rules and procedures mostly in place. EOBC, which has 87 member stations and has been headed by executive director Preston Padden, cited various successes already achieved, as well as Federal Communications Commission anti-collusion rules, which prevent stations from working together on auction strategies.

EOBC got a legal opinion related to the anti-collusion rules that recommended that it dissolve between the auction procedures public notice, which was approved Aug. 6, and the start of the anti-collusion rules, which kick in later in the fall, said Padden, who will continue to do part-time consulting, including on the auction. The anti-collusion rules will be in effect from when broadcasters can register for the auction, likely sometime in November, until the auction ends.