Donny Jackson of MRT Wireless reports what Chairman Barton laid out at the DTV hearing today,

"It is an evolving document," Barton said. "There's really only one principle that's not on the table--that the date certain not become a date uncertain."

By completing the transition to digital TV, 700 MHz spectrum can be allocated for public-safety uses and be auctioned to commercial service providers, who are expected to pay between $10 billion to $28 billion for the airwaves--money needed as Congress tries to fill a $4.8 billion funding gap in the budget".

Now let's see how this set in stone principle will begin to be undermined by the broadcasters.