FCC Takes Steps to Preserve Low-Power TV and TV Translator Stations Post-Incentive Auction

The Federal Communications Commission unanimously adopted several measures to help low power television (LPTV) and TV translator stations to continue serving their viewers following 2016’s Incentive Auction. The Spectrum Act of 2012 requires the FCC to protect only full power and Class A TV stations when reorganizing or “repacking” the TV band after the auction. Nonetheless, recognizing the important role that LPTV and translator stations play in the communities they serve, the FCC has already taken several steps to help these stations preserve the important programming content they provide. The Third Channel Sharing Report & Order builds on previous FCC actions by:

• Permitting Channel-Sharing: The Third Report & Order allows channel sharing among LPTV and TV translator stations.
• Extending Deadline for Digital Transition
• Offering Software Assistance for Finding New Channels

The Third Report & Order also creates a replacement translator service for full power stations to replace digital service areas lost as a result of repacking, and sunsets the analog tuner requirement for TV sets on August 31, 2017.
The consent agenda was also adopted.