From Biloxi to the Heartland

Since it's the eve of what could turn out to be a major snow event in the Heartland, I'll share some not so snowy pictures.

I just returned from a Digital Media Conference in Biloxi, Mississippi. I met with other Web Managers about the best ways we can deliver news content to you.

The weather was sunny and breezy. It was a big contrast to this cold, snowy weather in the Heartland.

Do you have suggestions for our website that could make it better? I want to know. What information would you like to see? Email me at chendricks@kfvs12.com or leave your comments below.

I was able to dip my fingers in the bay and pick up a few seashells before heading back to the Heartland.

Getting rid of free antenna TV?

I've noticed a public service announcement on the airwaves recently from the National Association of Broadcasters. It's a 30 second spot "informing viewers of discussions in Washington that could limit free, over-the-air broadcast television." This comes after several third-party groups submitted requests to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) calling for the reallocation of broadcast spectrum for new wireless broadband devices.

I've had a couple of people ask me if their free antenna TV is going away. I can say no, right now.

According to an article in Television Broadcasting Magazine, the FCC is backing off on reallocating broadcast spectrum for broadband for now. According to an article by Broadcasting & Cable, a former cable executive working on the broadband team says "the plan currently being prepared for vetting by the FCC commissioners would be voluntary and would not require any broadcaster to sell its spectrum."

Just after the finish of the digital transition over the summer, the FCC started floating around the idea of reallocating spectrum. "FCC staffer Blair Levin first mentioned the idea of taking broadcast spectrum for the national broadband plan, which would likely place it in the hands of wireless telephone service providers. The commission issued a Public Notice Dec. 2 seeking feedback on a reallocation. A coalition representing 226 TV stations responded that the FCC needed to collect more hard data on demand for spectrum."

A national broadband wireless plan is due to Congress by February 17, but FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski has requested a one month extension.

When that report does come out, we'll see what it in it. In the meantime, what do you think about reallocating the spectrum for antenna TV? Would you be affected if free antenna TV goes away or are you content with cable or satellite?