Reps. Bill Flores (R-TX) and Gene Greed (D-TX) on Thursday introduced the Radio Consumer Protection Act, which would establish a fund to reimburse radio for costs associated with the broadcast TV spectrum repack. NAB EVP/Communications Dennis Wharton said the bill would “help fulfill the promise to hold local broadcasters harmless during the incentive auction.” He praised the effort to protect the 678 stations affected as well as their listeners.
If the bill passes, a new Radio Consumer Protection Fund would “make any payments to a broadcast radio station for costs that the station incurred resulting from the reorganization of broadcast television spectrum.” The funds would be available until the end of fiscal 2022.
A system for television stations affected by the repack is already available for them to apply for reimbursement.
