How the deficit debate could shut down TV stations
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) - The 11th hour debate on raising the debt limit and cutting the budget deficit rages on. It's so complicated and has been going on so long that many people are tuning it out. But a plan being pushed in the Democratic controlled Senate could result in fewer local television stations for you to watch.Basically it would seize airwaves now used for free over-the-air television stations and scrunch all the remaining stations into what little bandwidth is left. It's all pretty technical but the bottom line is that some current stations would have to go dark. And the supposed impact on the budget deficit from auctioning off those airwaves is peanuts compared to the debtLess choice for you. Fewer local meteorologists keeping on eye out for killer storms and giving you the information you need to keep your family safe.Fewer FREE viewing options at a time when many households are cutting back and cutting the cord on expensive cable or satellite television options. Sharon Tinsley, President of the Alabama Broadcasters Association explains what's happening. You'll want to watch this video. Senators for Alabama:Sen. Jeff Sessionssenator@sessions.senate.gov335 Russell Senate Office BuildingWashington, DC 20510Sen. Richard Shelbysenator@shelby.senate.gov304 Russell Senate Office BuildingWashington DC 20510
