WHAT:
The Subcommittee on Communications and Technology held a hearing today examining the implementation of the RAY BAUM’S Act. #SubCommTech members heard from expert witnesses about how this historic, bipartisan legislation has impacted the telecommunications sector, and how the committee can continue to build on those successes in a bipartisan manner in the 116th Congress.
WHY:
“It is a fitting tribute for the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology to end the 115th Congress with a hearing dedicated to RAY BAUM’S Act. As many of you know, Ray spent his life working to maintain a bipartisan spirit in facing the communications challenges we all seek to address. This subcommittee’s achievement stands as a reminder of the potential to work together and get a substantial telecommunications law across the goal line, even in the face of gridlock and partisan divide. And I have every hope that this bipartisan spirit will continue into the next Congress," said Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR).
“RAY BAUM’S Act is one of the most comprehensive telecommunications laws in two decades. Prior to RAY BAUM’S Act, the FCC hadn’t been reauthorized since 1990- When Home Alone first debuted and Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places" was top 5 in the country charts. By reauthorizing the Commission, we-as authorizers on this Committee-gave direction to the agency, reaffirmed the important missions we’ve delegated to them, and most importantly gave them the necessary tools to succeed," said #SubCommTech Chairman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).
WHO:
* Curtis LeGeyt, Executive Vice President, Government Relations, National Association of Broadcasters (Opening Statement )
* Tim Donovan, Senior Vice President, Legislative Affairs, Competitive Carriers Association (Opening Statement )
* Bohdan Zachery, General Manager, Milwaukee Public Broadcast Station (Opening Statement )
* Jeff Cohen, Chief Counsel, APCO International (Opening Statement )
KEY MOMENTS:
“CCA applauds this Committee’s work to pass the Act, which represents a significant bipartisan accomplishment that touches a broad range of policy issue areas. It is noteworthy that closing the digital divide and preserving and expanding broadband service in rural America is a priority shared by Democrats and Republicans. While 5G buzz grabs the headlines, rural America is at a crossroads. Decisions made by policymakers today can either launch new innovation, economic growth, and education and public safety benefits in rural America, or broaden the digital divide, leaving rural America behind a mobile, connected world," said Mr. Donovan.
Mr. LeGeyt discussed the positive impact of the RAY BAUM’S Act to help minimize the impact of the voluntary incentive auction, and resulting repack. “The passage of RAY BAUM’S Act strengthened the broadcast lifeline to the benefit of countless viewers and listeners. Most importantly, its inclusion of the Viewer Protection Act delivered on this Committee’s promise of a voluntary incentive auction by providing an additional $1 billion to ensure those repacked full power television stations who chose not to participate in the auction are fully reimbursed for costs associated with this transition, along with FM radio stations that are impacted by the moves," he told #SubCommTech.
RESOURCES:
The Majority Memorandum, witness testimony, and an archived webcast are available online HERE.
