Topic: Broadcast Spectrum

FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr appears on the Benny Johnson podcast to discuss potential regulatory actions against broadcasters like ABC due to Jimmy Kimmel's conduct. The discussion explains the legal obligations of broadcast licensees to serve the "public interest" and the value of the public spectrum. Carr suggests that local affiliates should push back against national networks like Disney and Comcast to avoid license revocation or fines for news distortion.

Gordon Smith, head of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), expresses concern over FCC plans to hold "incentive auctions" in 2014. The government aims to buy back spectrum from television broadcasters to sell to mobile carriers for 4G services. The hosts argue this will disenfranchise millions of Americans who rely on terrestrial broadcasting and increase government control over communications.