TV Repack Reimbursement Developments
Posted on March 29th, 2018 by adminA few recent, critical developments bear noting in the arena of getting funds to reimburse stations impacted by the repack of the television band spectrum into channels 2-36.
First, the FCC announced on March 8, 2018 that announced an additional reimbursement allocation for stations entitled to reimbursement. Initially, stations were only allocated 52% of their then-current verified cost estimates (62% for NCE stations) to cover up-front costs, down payments on equipment and other pre-implementation costs. While not announcing the amount of the additional allocation, the FCC has indicated that it will be made around mid-April. Stations will then have access to additional funds to finance their repack efforts.
Second, Congress passed and the President signed the Omnibus Spending Bill for 2018, which included an additional $1 billion for spectrum repack expenses, specifying another $600 million for eligible TV repack stations, and adding $150 million for reimbursement of LPTV displacement costs and $50 million for FM stations that may incur costs due to repacked TV stations having to replace antennas/equipment. The LPTV and FM station monies are the first time that reimbursement relief has been allocated for stations other than actual repacked TV stations and is a significant win by the FCC and broadcasters who lobbied long and hard for additional and specific funding. The FCC is expected to quickly implement its new Congressionally-granted authority.