Gray Seeks LPTV Protection Window At FCC

Gray Television today asked the FCC to open a new window for LPTV licensees to obtain Class A protected status. The proposal, Gray argued, would not affect the upcoming spectrum auction because, eligible LPTV licensees would be able to upgrade to Class A status only after securing their post-repack facilities.  

The company’s filing asked the commission “to immediately commence a proceeding to allow LPTV stations that meet certain criteria to apply for Class A status. It is clear that not all LPTV stations will find a new home after the spectrum incentive auction and subsequent repacking of full-power and Class A stations. However, those LPTV stations that do secure a channel and that demonstrate a commitment to serving their local communities should be given the opportunity to apply for Class A status and secure a permanent channel in the post-auction environment.”

Gray added that “stations that choose to apply for Class A status and operate as Class A stations for the foreseeable future should be given priority in applying for a displacement channel following the spectrum auction. Many commenters in this proceeding as well as in the spectrum incentive auction proceeding — Gray included — have encouraged the commission to establish a priority system for displaced LPTV stations based upon programming content.

“An LPTV station that seeks Class A status by submitting a certification in the specified window will be committing to a certain level of service to its community — 126 hours a week of programming, of which at least three hours will be educational and informational and three hours will be locally produced.

LPTV stations making this commitment will undertake a significant business investment in order to secure Class A status. The commission should therefore prioritize the stations that certify to Class A eligibility during the specified window.”