Rulemaking notice seeks comment on KCRA-TV post-transition channel allotment

The FCC Media Bureau launched a rulemaking proceeding March 5 to address allowing KRCA-TV in Riverside, CA, to substitute channel 35 for channel 45 for its post-transition operation.

The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking addressing the change was precipitated when the commission failed to receive clearance from the Mexican government allowing the station to operate post-transition on channel 45. According to the NPRM, the proposed substitute channel 35 “is more likely to obtain Mexican clearance.” KCRA is one of a handful of stations with out-of-core analog and pre-transition digital channel assignments.

The move would cause 1.17 percent interference to KMEX-TV in Los Angeles and 0.24 percent to KNBC-TV in Los Angeles, as well as not comply with commission rules specifying protection requirements for Class A television stations, with respect to Class A television station K35DG, in La Jolla, CA. However, the commission is considering the proposal because the Mexican government previously authorized KMEX-TV to transmit on channel 35 in a previous DTV authorization, making it more likely for KRCA to receive approval to use channel 35.

In the NPRM, the commission is seeking comment on the proposed substitution and amendment to the Final DTV Table of Allotments.

For more information, visit: www.fcc.gov.