LPTV / TV Translator / Class A TV Stations File Numerous Applications on March 19th

Beginning at 12:01 am ET on March 19^th, the FCC lifted its major modification filing freeze, without limits or restrictions, to allow Class A, LPTV and TV translator major change applications and acceptance of applications for new LPTV and TV translator stations. That same day, an earlier week-long freeze on all minor change applications for those same stations was lifted.  From March 19^th forward, such major and minor change applications are all processed on a first-come, first-served basis with a cutoff every day at midnight ET.

While estimates vary, well over 1,000 applications were filed on March 19^th.  The FCC has not yet begun to process the applications, as time still remains to remit filing fees associated with the filings.  The Media Bureau has not published any specific outline of processing steps for applications that are mutually exclusive with one another, but may do so in coming days.