The FCC recently indicated that it will consider eliminating Channels 2-6 because these channels are more susceptible than others to interference caused by leaky power lines and other sources. The signals of Channels 2-6, however, reach farther than others in the broadcast spectrum and can overcome obstacles presented by terrain and foliage. In addition, these channels usually carry free broadcasting for folks who aren't in areas that are reached by cable. The letter also points out that nationwide 287 stations use Channels 2-6, and nearly 80 percent of these broadcasters have operated on this spectrum since at least 1960. Burns expressed concerns that moving these stations from their current channels during the transition to digital television will be inefficient and unnecessarily costly.
Broadcasters are in a period of rapid change as it is.