LPTVBA 2024 PRIORITIES

2024 Priorities

As Presented to the FCC Media Bureau

1.     Opportunity to Change Channels

The FCC has granted full power stations the opportunity to move from VHF to UHF even after being incentivized in the auction to stay in VHF. VHF full powers cashed in for being in the band and now are being allowed back to UHF. If it is truly in the “public interest,” then LPTV stations should be afforded the same courtesy. LPTVBA requests equal play across the board with an opportunity to change channels now that full power stations have had several years to request channel changes. It has been more than a decade since LPTV stations or Class A stations could file for a channel change.

2.     One-Time Move within the DMA for Existing LPTV Stations

The LPTVBA requests the opportunity for a one-time move of existing LPTV Stations to a new location within their current DMA, irrespective of distance.

3.     A Window to Apply for New Construction Permits  

With LMS being cleaned up, the LPTVBA is requesting a window to apply for new low power television station Construction Permits after existing LPTV stations have an opportunity to change channels and the one-time DMA move. While we understand there is discussion about limiting an entity to 5 applications, if all 5 applications have competition, then an entity could end up with no stations. The LPTVBA respectfully proposes that there be no limit to the number of applications an entity can submit. The LPTVBA would, however, be amenable to the imposition of a shorter time frame of (18 months) to construct.

 4.     Continued Support of 5G Broadcasting for LPTV

The LPTVBA appreciates the support of the FCC Media Bureau with experimental licenses for 5G Broadcasting. With the release of consumer-provided equipment (CPE) receivers estimated for the first half of 2024 and smartphones being able to receive Direct to Mobile (DTM) in the 4th Quarter of 2024, the time to test the protocol and plan for deployment in the real world, not only in labs, is now. 5G Broadcasting’s robust emergency alerting offers solutions to current public interest problems, while future-proofing broadcast programming delivery.