FCC to vote on LPTV status

The FCC will vote this week (Oct. 15) on a proposal giving some low-power TV stations full-power status, including must-carry rights. The proposal is a notice of proposed rulemaking rather than a final order, which allows public comment.

FCC chairman Kevin Martin wants to give Class A low-power TV stations a chance to gain full-power status and all the rights and responsibilities that entails. Almost one-third of the 500-plus Cass A LPTVs are Spanish-language broadcasters.

The National Cable & Telecommunications Association opposes the proposal.