Deadlines For Class A, LPTV and TV Translator Filing Opportunities

The next deadline is in a few weeks for a series of filing opportunities that the FCC recently announced for Class A, LPTV and TV translator stations.  For those seeking to file applications in accordance with the deadlines, pay close attention to the dates, times, and scope of each deadline outlined in the public notice.

Back on September 3, the FCC began a filing freeze on Class A, LPTV and TV translator major change applications.  On October 15 at 6p ET, a filing freeze on all minor change applications will begin, in advance of an expanded opportunity for all Class A, LPTV and TV translator stations to file major change applications with relocations up to 121.0 kilometers(km). That opportunity will allow stations to relocate over a longer distance and improve population coverage.  Those applications can be filed up through 6p ET on December 3, when a major change filing freeze will go back into place.  Starting January 21 at 12:01 AM ET, the FCC will start accepting applications for new LPTV and TV translator stations.

Talk to your consulting engineer about the possibilities that these filing opportunities present. And as always, be sure to obtain reasonable assurance for any tower specified in an application. Otherwise, the application can be challenged.