FCC Adopts LPTV Order Changing Various Rules, Declining Others

The FCC has adopted a Report and Order in a proceeding begun by the prior administration that contemplated new regulations for LPTV stations, describing its action as providing regulatory clarity.

The Order adopts rule changes (1) updating how the relocation distance measurement is calculated for displaced LPTV/TV translators and LPTV Service channel sharing stations; (2) establishing a uniform maximum relocation distance for minor modifications; (3) establishing a formal method for LPTV Service stations to specify a community of license; (4) requiring LPTV Service stations to utilize a call sign that matches their service designation; (5) establishing a process for LPTV Service stations to formally change their service designation; (6) making clear what EAS equipment must be installed by LPTV stations; (7) clarifying the video program responsibilities of LPTV stations; and (8) revising the displacement rule to more clearly enumerate the circumstances that qualify a LPTV/TV translator station for displacement. The order also adopts revisions to other technical rules intended to streamline current processes, prevent interference, reduce burdens, ensure that all applicants and licensees are treated equally, and clarifying the manner in which LPTV/TV translator channel sharing stations may apply for a new, non-shared channel.

The FCC declined to adopt rules limiting applicants’ ability to round distance calculations, requiring LPTV station minimum operating hours beyond those under our current rules, making changes to the TV translator minimum operating rule, limiting the number of times LPTV/TV translators may change their service designations in one year, and restricting community of license changes for LPTV stations to no more than once per year.