Broadcasters are now reviewing so-called confidential letters from FCC telling them if they have to move to new channels in the post-auction repack of the TV band, Those that do have to relocate are being given new channel assignments and technical parameters for them.
Stations Get Word On Post-Auction Channels
The FCC has begun sending out the co-called “confidential letters” to TV broadcasters telling them whether they have to move to new channels in the post-auction repack on the TV band, and if so, which ones, according to broadcasters and their attorneys.
For the migrating stations, the letter stipulates when they have to move and the technical parameters of the new channels, including tower location, antenna height, type of antenna (directional or non-directional) and power.
The FCC is sending the letters out now so that broadcasters have as much time as possible to plan for their mandated channel moves.
“Some preliminary activities include but are not limited to: retaining a technical or zoning specialist, conducting structural analysis, planning construction, installing a new power line, selecting equipment and placing orders,” the letters say.
The repack — or reorganization — will segregate the remaining TV spectrum from the newly reallocated wireless spectrum.
The FCC will not publicly announce the total number of stations that will be moving and their channel assignments until March when the incentive auction is expected to be completely closed.
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That notice will also include a complete list of the auction “winners,” what stations they sold and how much they got for them.
Once that public notice is issued, stations will have no more than 39 months to get to their new channels. After that deadline, stations can no longer broadcast on their current channel.
Some stations will have considerably less time. In an effort to insure the repack proceeds are efficiently as possible, the FCC is conducting the repack in 10 phases rather than all at once. Each phase will have a different completion deadline.
The confidential letter specifies which phase each station is in and its deadline for completing the move.
Congress has mandated that the FCC set aside $1.75 billion of the auction proceeds to reimburse broadcasters for their redo expenses.
Comments (2)
Ellen Samrock says:
February 9, 2017 at 6:59 pm
Early reports indicate that a lot Class As are displacing LPTV and translator stations. The LPTV apocalypse has officially begun.
Wagner Pereira says:
February 9, 2017 at 10:03 pm
And this surprises you? That was well known part of having a LPTV license. It’s been known and reported for years, even though some posters were convinced it would not happen.