November 13, 2012, Washington, D.C. – A group of broadcasters has formed the Expanding Opportunities for Broadcasters Coalition ("Coalition") to advocate for the successful auction of broadcast spectrum.  The Coalition will represent broadcasters considering contributing some or all of their assets to the Federal Communications Commission’s (“FCC”) incentive auction.  The announcement was made today by the Coalition’s leader, former Fox, ABC and Disney executive, Preston Padden.

In making the announcement Padden said, “This coalition’s sole focus is to advocate for the success of the voluntary incentive auction of broadcast spectrum.  The FCC has only one shot to get it right. The Coalition is dedicated to ensuring we have the rules and procedures in place to maximize the auction’s chance to succeed.”

The founding members of the Coalition include television broadcast stations that, under the right conditions, would like to participate in the auction.  These stations have come together to ensure that the FCC’s process provides the proper incentive and structure for a successful auction.  

The Coalition welcomes the participation of other broadcasters and stakeholders that share this common interest in a successful auction. The Coalition will work with all stakeholders to ensure a successful auction as envisioned by Congress, the Administration and the FCC.  The Coalition will partner with trade associations, public interest groups, and others to maximize participation by broadcasters and wireless carriers alike. 

“I have spent the bulk of my career as a broadcaster.  It is important to me that the Coalition fully support those broadcasters that wish to remain in that great and noble business.  We hope that by providing an effective vehicle for those broadcasters that choose another path, the FCC’s auction can simultaneously strengthen the nation’s broadcast and wireless future,” Padden said. 

Consistent with the confidentiality requirements of the Spectrum Act and the confidentiality discussion in the FCC's Incentive Auction Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Coalition will not be disclosing the identity of its Members.  "These are ongoing broadcast businesses with employees, advertisers, and viewers.  The need for confidentiality is obvious," said Padden.

Press inquiries, please contact: Preston Padden, 202-649-0215 or ppadden@broadcastcoalition.org. Broadcasters interested in joining the Coalition should also contact Preston Padden.