Rep. Hansen Clarke Urges the FCC to Preserve Free, Local Television Access for Metro Detroiters during Homeland Security Committee Hearing

Press Release

This week, Congressman Hansen Clarke asked Federal Communications Commission (FCC) representative Mr. David Turetsky to commit to working with Congress to ensure that metro Detroiters continue to have access to free, local television. Mr. Turetsky acknowledged that this access is very important and that the FCC would work to preserve it.

"Millions of Americans rely on free, local television for emergency alerts and information," said Rep. Hansen Clarke. "Any reduction in this access poses a serious risk to homeland security, and I am committed to ensuring that metro Detroiters continue to have access to the information they need to stay safe during an emergency."

Legislation enacted in February will allow voluntary incentive auctions of broadcast television spectrum. If not implemented according to Congress' intent, this auction could jeopardize access to free, local television for Americans who live near the Canadian border because of treaty obligations requiring U.S. television broadcasters not to interfere with Canadian television signals. Rep. Hansen Clarke is committed to working with broadcasters, the FCC, and Congress to make sure that all metro Detroiters continue to have access to free, local television for emergency alerts.

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