The agency, which has warned of a looming spectrum shortage, needs to identify more wireless frequencies to accommodate the goals to be outlined in a national broadband plan to be presented to Congress in February. Broadcasters oppose a recent plan floated by the FCC to repurpose some of the broadcasters' spectrum, arguing the move could undermine the provision of free, over-the-air programming.

Baker expressed hope that the matter can be resolved without acrimony -- and without the FCC being cast as anti-broadcaster. "I think we actually may come up with a solution that's a win-win," said Baker, who ran a federal coupon program at the Commerce Department during the Bush administration that issued vouchers lowering the cost of converter boxes. The interview will air Saturday at 6:30 p.m. on C-SPAN and Monday at 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. C-SPAN 2.