Federal Communications Commission	"FCC  XX-XXX"


STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER GEOFFREY STARKS

Re: 	LPTV, TV Translator, and FM Broadcast Station Reimbursement, MB Docket No. 18-214; Expanding the Economic and Innovation Opportunities of Spectrum Through Incentive Auctions, GN Docket No. 12-268.

I fully support today’s report and order implementing the Reimbursement Expansion Act, which authorizes the Commission to reimburse low power television stations, television translator stations, and FM stations for expenses related to the television broadcast incentive auction and repacking process.  These stations make up a large part of the patchwork quilt of broadcasting that covers this country, and each provides local communities with a means to access important news and information, particularly during emergencies.  

This item draws on lessons we’ve already learned during the once-in-a-generation incentive auction and repacking process to disburse $1 billion dollars in additional funding to impacted broadcasters.  It fairly interprets the governing statute and carefully adopts a number of requirements to ensure that the allocated funds will only go to eligible entities to cover eligible costs.  This undertaking also provides a good example of our government working as intended—in this instance, a legitimate need for additional resources was identified, Congress appropriated funds, and the Commission worked swiftly to adopt rules to get the money where it is needed most.  
    
I have been impressed with the Incentive Auction Task Force for many years and welcome this opportunity to thank you for your stellar work.  The Task Force continues to advance this complex and important process diligently, intelligently, and fairly.  So, many thanks to the Incentive Auction Task Force, and to others in the Media Bureau who contributed to this item.  Keep up the good work.
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