• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, July 30, 2013

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) reacted angrily Tuesday to a trade group’s assertion that only 7% of U.S. TV homes get their signals solely via an antenna. The NAB cited research showing the figure is closer to 20%.

The NAB vitriol came after the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) released the 7% figure, which was down slightly from 8% in 2010. The CEA research came via a phone survey of 1,009 U.S. adults in June by CEA Market Research.

NAB executive Dennis Wharton stated: “CEA's findings strain the bounds of credibility, beginning with the fact that its alleged 'research' was conducted by CEA staff members rather than an independent firm.”

Wharton added that the CEA has “a track record of anti-broadcasting bias.” The NAB likely was piqued by CEA’s endorsement of how the FCC is handling spectrum auctions and its assertion about a general consumer decline in broadcast-TV viewing.

CEA CEO Gary Shapiro stated: “Consumers have moved away in droves from traditional broadcast television thanks to a surge in programming alternatives available through wired and wireless broadband connections. This is why Congress had it right when they authorized the FCC to hold voluntary broadcast spectrum incentive auctions to reallocate broadcast television spectrum to greater uses, like wireless broadband. This study provides yet another reason why it is time for broadcast spectrum to be reallocated, and quickly.&rdquo ;