WSET-TV Brings Spectrum Battle Home

LYNCHBURG, VA.: The local ABC affiliate in this Blue Ridge enclave is giving the national battle for broadcast spectrum local coverage. The station posted an article entitled “The End of Free TV?” on its Web site, in which WSET-TV General Manager Randy Smith said nothing good would come from a spectrum reallocation. “At best, it would set broadcasting back substantially, and has a potential of absolutely... [doing] away with local broadcasting.”

One comment poster responded that WSET wasn’t the only commercial station that “failed to fully utilize the digital spectrum granted to it,” but is rather using around two-thirds of the bandwidth. No signal measurements were referenced. Another noted that the fed’s converter-box subsidy program just recently ended and criticized politicians for wasting money.

“The End of Free TV?” is at WSET.com. )