Reps. Joe Barton and Anna Eshoo especially want to know how many LPTVs and translators — which don’t have the same protections that full-power stations have in the auctions — will be able to continue operating on replacement channels after the FCC auction’s repacking of the TV band.
GAO Asked To Study Auction Impact On LPTV
Reps. Joe Barton (R-Texas) and Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) today asked the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study on the impact the FCC’s incentive auction could have on low-power TV stations and TV translators.
In an Oct. 1 letter to GAO, the lawmakers said they were particularly interested in how many LPTVs and translators — which don’t have the same protections that full-power stations have in the auctions — will be able to continue operating on replacement channels after the auction’s repacking of the TV band.
The two lawmakers also asked GAO to recommend ways that the FCC and Congress could “remedy adverse impacts” from the auction on LPTVs, translators, and “most importantly, on their viewers.”
Mike Gravino, director of the LPTV Spectrum Rights Coalition, said his group, which has been lobbying for a study, welcomed the request by the lawmakers.
“We will work with them in any way we can to help this analysis be completed prior to the auction,” Gravino said.
“The GAO study is moving in a good direction and it’s very timely,” added Louis Libin, executive director of the Advanced Television Broadcasting Alliance, another group advocating for LPTVs and translators.
BRAND CONNECTIONS
Comments (6)
Blair Faulstich says:
October 1, 2014 at 4:30 pm
Way to go Mike Gravino, thanks.
ABELARDO BLANCO says:
October 1, 2014 at 4:48 pm
Outstanding news!
Ellen Samrock says:
October 1, 2014 at 6:24 pm
This is indeed a great first step. But it is just a first step. From this study we will need to build our case that all LPTV broadcasters who are going to be forced to move in the repack must be reimbursed.
Logan Molen says:
October 1, 2014 at 7:32 pm
This is good news although late in coming. Through the efforts of Mike Gravino and others involved in the LPTV coalition the study will likely happen. The study should have occurred a long time ago…but better late than never!
Stephanie Harrison says:
October 1, 2014 at 7:39 pm
great job Louis/ATBA and Mike G.
Marnie Roozen says:
October 6, 2014 at 11:30 am
Great job Louis, Randy, Mark and Lee for all your work with Representative Barton and his staff – and also the headway you made with Rep Eshoo in getting her to change her position on LPTV!