[BC] Spectrum "looting in progress" update

[Jerry Mathis]

>From: "Bill Sepmeier" <dcpowerandlight at hotmail.com>
>Reply-To: Broadcast Radio Mailing List <broadcast at radiolists.net>
>To: broadcast at radiolists.net
>Subject: [BC] Spectrum "looting in progress" update
>Date: Sun, 01 Jan 2006 15:20:16 -0700
>
>
>Harold, you've been talking spectrum lease vs. sell since the 80's ... 
>here's a slightly different viewpoint in today's Rocky Mountain News....
>
>Speakout: Let analog sell-off benefit public
>
>By Willard D. "Wick" Rowland Jr.
>January 1, 2006
>
>The Rocky Mountain News editorial of Dec. 26, "Unnecessary gift to free TV 
>watchers," correctly critiques the recent federal budget provision of a 
>$1.5 billion set-top converter-box subsidy for analog TV set owners at the 
>time of the final conversion to digital broadcasting in 2009. And the News 
>ends with an important observation, "Surely Congress could have found a 
>better use for the money." It certainly could have - Congress should place 
>the funds in a public media trust fund.
>
>The current plans for auctioning off the analog spectrum provide for no 
>lasting public service legacy.
>
>The airwaves are public property, yet they are being increasingly 
>privatized and, in the process, the proceeds are being largely wasted.
>
>Since the beginning of broadcasting 80 years ago Congress has permitted 
>private, commercial interests to exploit the spectrum for extraordinary 
>profit and little public return. The convertor box vouchers would continue 
>that pattern by providing a subsidy for the consumer electronics industry, 
>commercial broadcasting and cable television.
>
>The rest of the proceeds will disappear into the great maw of the federal 
>deficit.
>
>How much better if they were set aside as an investment in trust for public 
>service.
>

Shame on you, Bill, for being so negative about our fine Government.

Rich is right: We have the best Government money can buy.

For those of you who doubt this I have two words: Tom DeLay.




Jerry Mathis
Clear Channel Radio, Tupelo & Meridian MS