The FCC is now accepting applications for low-power TV stations and translators in rural areas not yet approved to broadcast in digital, on a first-come, first-served basis. No applications for new analog facilities will be accepted, and the new filing opportunity is subject to a geographic restriction.
Starting on Aug. 25, the commission will accept applications for new digital-only LPTV and TV translator stations in rural areas; major changes to existing analog and digital LPTV and TV translator facilities in those areas; and, in the case of incumbent analog stations, for digital companion channels without geographic restriction on Jan. 25, 2010.
In addition, LPTV, TV translator, and Class A TV stations may file an application for on-channel digital conversion or flash-cut at any time.
All applications for new digital-only LPTV and TV translator stations or for major changes to existing digital or analog LPTV and TV translator stations are subject to a $705.00 filing fee. There is no application filing fee for the submission of a flash-cut or digital companion channel application, or for applications for replacement digital translator stations.
Applicants must file their applications electronically using FCC Form 346.
Only existing low-power station permit holders and licensees are allowed to file for a digital companion channel, and applicants for digital companion channels will be required to identify their associated analog station and must propose to serve the community of license of their associated analog facility.
For more information, visit http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-09-1487A1.pdf/.
