Clearance sales.(Brief Article)

Broadcasting & Cable, December, 2001 by McConnell, Bill

The FCC said it would permit TV broadcasters operating on channels 52-59 to relinquish their frequencies well ahead of the 2006 dead-line by selling out to wireless companies that want the spectrum. The plan is "not that different" from provisions approved a year ago for stations on channels 60-69, said an agency staffer.

So why were opponents of early buyouts crowing that the FCC had "completely abandoned" its band-clearing policy? Two reasons, perhaps. First, in addition to subjecting 52-59 buyouts to public interest reviews not applied to deals for the upper channels, the final version of the rules--expected in the next two weeks--does not extend some sweeteners aimed at encouraging 60-69 deals. Second, the stations in the 52-59 band are so profitable that...

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