And a traffic cop is not supposed to prevent new traffic from coming onto the road. Some broadcast supporters, including friends of the NAB on Capitol hill, argue that new competition will damage the economic prospects of licenseholders. Indeed it could, if existing stations don't serve their audiences well. But it's not the job of congress to protect the economic interests of a certain group of existing broadcasters. The spectrum belongs to the public, and we sometimes forget that.
Competition is healthy.
If new stations can do the job better than existing ones, let 'em rip. A new group of stations will benefit communities, schools and other groups who can create voices of their own on the band. It will be good for radio employees, who can hope for more job opportunities, rather than fewer. It will be good for suppliers, who will have more customers to serve. A robust supplier marketplace benefits all radio buyers.