Comments will be due Sept. 26 and reply comments Oct. 26 on the FCC's proposed framework for reimbursing LPTVs, translators and FM broadcasters for their costs associated with the FCC's post-incentive auction repack.

Most of a thousand stations are being moved in 10 phases, which will cause dislocation and incur some expenses for LPTVs and translators who were not protected in the repack, and for some FM stations co-located on TV towers.

The FCC voted Aug. 2 on a proposed framework for handing out the $1 billion Congress has authorized to 1) pay for LPTV, translator and FM expenses related to the post-auction moves, and 2) provide additional money for full power and Class A's and MVPDs impacted by the auction and for a consumer education campaign.

According to the framework, and the FCC: "LPTV and TV translator stations are eligible for reimbursement if (1) they filed an application during the Commission’s Special Displacement Window and obtained a construction permit, and (2) were licensed and transmitting for at least nine of the twelve months prior to April 13, 2017, as required by the REA. It also tentatively concludes that both full power FM stations and FM translators that were licensed and transmitting on April 13, 2017, using the facilities affected by a repacked television station, are eligible for reimbursement. The NPRM proposes that this includes FM stations that incur costs to permanently relocate, temporarily or permanently modify their facilities, or purchase or modify auxiliary facilities to provide service during work on a repacked television station’s facilities. The NPRM further recommends a mechanism for reimbursing the newly eligible entities that is substantially similar to the process currently used by the Commission to reimburse full power and Class A licensees and MVPDs."

[Read:FCC Proposes Rules On LPTV Repack Reimbursement]

There is an accompanying order that directs the Media Bureau to hire a contractor to help administer the reimbursement fund for LPTVs/translators and FM stations, which will be handled similarly to the one already in place for full power TVs and class A's. LPTVs, translators and FMS must certify eligibility with the FCC and provide information on equipment and cost estimates. 

For more information on the repack, visit TV Technology's repack silo.

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WASHINGTON—The FCC is sticking with most of the stuff on the books with the final version of its catalog of covered expenses in the broadcasters’ transition to new spectrum in the post-incentive auction repack, denying most of the tweaks proposed by commenters. The catalog provides guidance on what will be covered for the $1.75 billion the FCC has to reimburse broadcasters and some cable operators for expenses related to moving new channels or sharing with other stations. The FCC’s Incentive Auction Task Force and Media Bureau cited the flexibility to look at expenses on a case-by-case basis for declining to make many of the changes.

TV Technology’s sister publication B&C has the full story.