NAB hired ex-FCC Wireless Bureau Chief Rick Kaplan in a new position...
NAB hired ex-FCC Wireless Bureau Chief Rick Kaplan in a new position where he'll lead the association’s efforts on spectrum policy. He left the bureau earlier this year, and was seen as crucial by agency and industry officials to helping…
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Chairman Julius Genachowski begin efforts to get more spectrum including from TV stations for mobile broadband, and reviewing the AT&T deal to buy T-Mobile before the companies withdrew it over government concern. “There may be differences with respect to policy” issues with spectrum legislation, before it became law in February allowing the FCC to hold a voluntary incentive auction of TV stations’ spectrum, Kaplan told us Thursday regarding broadcasters and his old boss. But “everyone shares the goal of having efficient use of spectrum,” as shown by broadcasters with mobile DTV, he said. Earlier at the commission, Kaplan helped lead the agency’s work for the DTV transition in summer 2009, and then was chief of staff to Commissioner Mignon Clyburn later that year and early next. He starts Oct. 22 as executive vice president-strategic planning at NAB, the association said in a news release Thursday (http://xrl.us/bnsnre). Genachowski has “recognized many times that there is a major role, an essential role, for broadcasters to play with regards to spectrum policy, and I think you will see that happen,” Kaplan said. NAB CEO Gordon Smith wants to “be constructive and helpful with the auction, and I can help play that role,” Kaplan continued. “And ensure that the broadcasters who do not participate are protected” in any auction and repacking of TV channel positions, “and I know the FCC certainly has that goal as well,” he said. Kaplan said he can lobby the commission on any rulemaking matter that doesn’t involve a transaction as long as he doesn’t divulge confidential information, though the extent to which he'll visit his old building hasn’t been determined. The new post “seems like a perfect match to me,” with his “experience with spectrum and innovation policy,” Kaplan said. Smith said “his expertise on spectrum issues will benefit broadcasters greatly as we work with policymakers to ensure a robust local television business for decades to come.”