Media Bureau to Gradually Lift LPTV Modification Freeze
The FCC Media Bureau will gradually lift a freeze on major changes for low-power TV, Class A stations and translators through a phased process that involves temporarily reimposing modification freezes, said a public notice Wednesday. The notice also announced that there will be a 121-kilometer limit on station relocations and that new station applications will be accepted.
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The phased process involves first temporarily instituting a freeze on both major and minor modifications “to provide a stable database for stations to prepare for the filing of major modification applications,” the notice said. A temporary freeze on major changes took effect Wednesday, and minor changes will be frozen Oct. 15. Both will lift Oct. 22. “We will provide existing stations an opportunity to file major modification applications prior to new station applications,” the notice said. The bureau will also impose a 121-kilometer limit on major changes to prioritize allowing existing stations to improve their service over relocations “that practically amount to a new station.”
Major change applications will again be frozen Dec. 3 and minor changes Jan. 14 to create another stable database for new station applications. On Jan. 21, the bureau will again lift both freezes and also begin accepting new LPTV, translator and Class A station applications, the notice said. “These filing opportunities will remain available indefinitely unless the Commission determines that a new freeze is warranted.”