New rules for Class A, LPTV broadcasters become active

The rules make it possible for the FCC to begin accepting applications for digital service from Class A and LPTV broadcasters

Author:: TVTechnology
Publish date:: Oct 7, 2005

New FCC rules that make it possible for the commission to accept applications for digital service from Class A and LPTV broadcasters became effective Sept. 15.

It is expected that the commission will first accept applications from Class A and LPTV broadcasters wishing to flash cut from analog to digital operation on their existing analog channel. Later, the commission will accept applications from Class A and LPTV broadcasters seeking companion digital channels while maintaining their analog service until the end date of the analog-to-digital transition.

The new rules will be discussed at the Community Broadcaster Association annual meeting at the Stardust Hotel in Las Vegas Oct. 23-25. Officials from the FCC will be on hand to discuss the new rules.

Back to the top

Media Bureau announces freeze on applications for digital replacement translator stations and displacement applications for LPTV, TV translator and Class A stations.

Last week the FCC released a Report and Order establishing rules for digital LPTV and TV translator stations and amending the rules for Digital Class A TV stations. In the Report and Order, the FCC concluded that it would be better to hold off completing the low power digital transition until after the transition dea

The Association of Maximum Service Television (MSTV) and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) have filed comments in the FCC's Notice of Proposed Rule Making to establish rules for digital television translator, booster and LPTV stations and amend rules for digital Class A television stations. NAB and

The commission’s action identified how spectrum will be used

The Report and Order lays out the rules that will be followed during the transition from analog to digital service for LPTV, repeater and Class A television stations

CBA warns of possible DTV transition ‘plane crash’ for existing Class A, LPTV stations promo image

Opening a “rolling application filing” window to new LPTV stations without first completing the successful DTV transition of incumbent Class A and low-power stations could be fatal, warns Greg Herman, Community Broadcasters Association VP of technology

At its meeting last Thursday, the FCC established rules for Class A, LPTV and TV translator stations to begin DTV broadcasting. The details on rules won't be available until the FCC releases its Report and Order. For a summary of information contained in the FCC News Release , see the TV Technology News Bytes article

The move does not affect existing LPTV, TV translator and Class A TV stations applying for digital companion channels nor those filing applications for new rural LPTV and translator stations.