Feds Disperse $35 Million for LPTV Digital Transition

The federal government has distributed $35 million for transitioning low-power TV stations and translators to digital technology. A total of $44 million was allocated in May, 2009, for helping LPTV and translator stations upgrade their operations. A transition deadline for LPTVs and translators had not been set when the program was put in place, but the FCC recently released a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking suggesting an end date in mid-2012. The federal grant program is being administered by the Commerce Department through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. One program was set up for covering conversion technology, and another for upgrades. The first program allowed for grants up to $1,000 for stations to purchase digital-to-analog conversion equipment for converting incoming full-power digital signals to analog for broadcasting. The second program supporting facilities upgrades allowed for grants up to $6,000 to "refit" analog equipment for digital transmission, or up to $20,000 to fully replace analog gear. The NTIA's list of eligible equipment includes transmitting and receiving antennas, translators, line and related equipment.