FCC approves broadcast spectrum sharing pilot for LA TV stations

The Federal Communications Commission, as had been expected, approved a CTIA plan to partner with two Los Angeles TV stations to conduct a pilot project with the aim of showing that the stations can share the same broadcast spectrum.

"We find that the Channel Sharing Pilot is in the public interest, as it may help to demonstrate the feasibility of successful channel sharing between two independently owned stations," wrote Barbara Kreisman, chief of the video division in the FCC's Media Bureau. "It also may serve as a model for other stations contemplating participation in the incentive auction, using the channel sharing option, and provide information about the technical implementation of channel sharing agreements. We do not anticipate enforcement issues that would impede the accomplishment of the experiment." The pilot project is meant to demonstrate to broadcasters that they can share spectrum with other broadcasters and not have their operations hurt as a result.