[MFDXA] action needed with HR607

[rfoxwor1 at tampabay.rr.com]

forwarded from MFDXA list
> 
> *From:* Pitts, Allen W1AGP <w1agp at arrl.org>
> *To:* pr at arrl.org
> *Sent:* Friday, April 08, 2011 1:16 PM
> *Subject:* [pr:11427] PIO action needed with HR607
> 
>  This is something you, as a PIO, need to be alert to....
> 
> 
> 
> The good news:
> 
> We are getting a good amount of publicity about our opposition to HR-607
> (the bill which would take away most of our 70cm band).
> 
> 
> 
> The bad news:
> 
> Reporters are not doing their homework.  While there’s nothing new in that,
> in this case we need to start being very careful about anything we say.
> Some of the bigger stories have it that 420-440 is being taken to be given
> to public service agencies.  That’s not true.
> 
> 
> 
> Why this is bad:
> 
> In publishing that 420-440 is to be given to police, fire and so on, these
> reports makes us appear like we’re acting in opposition to these agencies’
> needs.  We cannot win popular support that way.
> 
> 
> 
> What’s the truth:
> 
> Section 207 of HR-607 wants to take 420-440 and *SELL IT* AT AUCTION TO *
> COMMERCIAL* USERS.
> 
> 
> 
> What  do we need to do as PIOs:
> 
> *(1)    *Be very clear we are objecting to HR-607 *as written with that
> section 207 in it*.  We are not opposing the other parts of the bill - Just
> the part that wants to take our frequencies and *sell *them off
> commercially.
> 
> *(2)    *If you see a story that still has us opposing the public service
> agencies, *call or write the reporter/editor* and explain the difference and
> why it is important.  Push to get the story corrected.
> 
> *(3)    *Be ready to refer them to* www.arrl.org/hr-607*  for correct
> information
> 
> 
> 
> It’s very easy for proponents of the bill to wave the flag and boast of how
> they are helping the wonderful first responders who risk lives, yah-dah,
> yah-dah.  BUT....  this Section 207 has nothing to do with them.  *It’s all
> about the money*.  We must keep that point clear.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> *Allen Pitts, W1AGP*
> Media & PR Manager
> ARRL - the national association for Amateur Radio
> 225 Main St.  Newington, CT 06111
> (860) 594-0328
> 
> www.ARRL.org
> 
> ------------------------------
> pr mailing list



> pr at reflector.arrl.org
> http://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/pr