At its June meeting, the FCC will begin a proceeding looking at increasing the regulation of Class A, LPTV, and translator stations. According to the FCC, these stations are now a mature part of the media market and should be subject to the online public inspection file (OPIF) regulations similar to those that apply to full-service stations.
Whether to require top-four network-affiliated LPTV stations to comply with the same online public file (OPIF) requirements applicable to full power and Class A television stations, or
Whether OPIF requirements should be applied to LPTV stations that are among the top-four TV stations in each market based on the Nielsen ratings.
Adopt procedures for LPTV stations to establish an OPIF and propose to make public inspection and political broadcasting rules applicable to all LPTV stations.
Propose technical and operational amendments including whether to:
o Amend the method for calculating the maximum distance that a displaced or channel-sharing station may move under our displacement rule.
o Clarify the maximum distance that Class A and LPTV/TV translator stations may move under our minor modification rule.
o Require that Class A and LPTV/TV translator stations specify a community of license within their station’s contour.
o Adopt minimum operating and defined minimum video program requirements for LPTV stations.
o Require stations in the LPTV Service to seek authority to change the designation and maintain a call sign consistent with their class of service.
o Specify requirements pertaining to emissions masks.
o Prohibit LPTV/TV translator station operations above TV channel 36.
o Clarify the circumstances in which LPTV/TV translator stations are eligible for displacement.
This proposal will impact a number of LPTV and Class A stations in New York. Indeed, a number of affiliates in New York markets rely on LPTV stations to reach their audiences. NYSBA will be keeping a close watch on this.
You can see the FCC’s proposal here.