Current (https://current.org/series/spectrum-auction/page/4)
Results of the FCC spectrum auction were released in April 2017, with dozens of public media licensees earning close to $2 billion by selling their spectrum for use by wireless companies. The aftermath is still playing out, with many TV and radio stations required to move to new spectrum, and some TV stations that sold spectrum seeking to stay on the air through channel-sharing deals. Stay up to date with our ongoing coverage.
Dru Sefton, Former Senior Editor | Stations can save money on equipment and power bills, but some over-the-air viewers may need to change their antennas.
Jill Goldsmith, Contributing Editor | Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network is holding on to its stations in Bridgeport and Hartford-New Haven.
Jill Goldsmith, Contributing Editor | The school board–owned station may not see much of a bump to its annual budget.
April Simpson, Former Associate Editor | It’s unclear how state policymakers intend to use $332M in proceeds, and whether funds will be reinvested in NJTV.
Mike Janssen, Digital Editor | KMTP will create an endowment and use the proceeds to acquire access to wireless spectrum.
Adam Ragusea, Former Host, "The Pub" | The billions that noncommercial stations won isn’t enough to transform the entire public media system, but it will absolutely transform the handful of stations lucky enough to have held valuable spectrum in crowded markets.
Dru Sefton, Former Senior Editor | An error disqualified the California station from the auction.
Mike Janssen, Digital Editor | Check out our summary of how the spectrum auction appears to be playing out for public media.
Mike Janssen, Digital Editor | Station President James Baum said viewers in the stations’ coverage area will not lose PBS service due to overlap from other broadcasters.
Dru Sefton, Former Senior Editor and Mike Janssen, Digital Editor | The big sums will help to expand services, pay off debts and enable technical upgrades.