FCC Grants 43 DTV Construction Extensions

Even as Congress debated a hard analog shut-off date, the FCC found that 43 stations had a legitimate reason for not having a DTV signal on the air.

The commission adopted an order granting six-month extensions for 43 noncommercial stations to complete the construction of their DTV facilities. The waivers were granted based on "demonstrated inability to complete construction by their current deadline."

The FCC decided that those 43 stations made reasonable and diligent efforts to construct, but were delayed by circumstances that were either unforeseeable or beyond their control. Details about the stations and those circumstances were forthcoming, but not available, at press time.

The order also found that two stations failed to adequately justify further extension of their DTV construction permits. These stations were admonished and given six months to complete their DTV facilities.