|
|
|
Graham Brock, Inc. |
|
Broadcast Technical Consultants |
| Vol. XVI, No. 8 |
R. Stuart Graham, Jr. |
| August 2009 |
Jefferson G. Brock |
|
Last month we reported that the
Commission would be accepting applications for new LPTV,
TV translator and companion digital applications in
areas outside the top 100 markets beginning August 25,
2009. These applications are for digital stations only,
no new analog proposals can be submitted. Beginning on
January 25, 2010 the geographic restriction will be
lifted and new filings can be made anywhere in the
country. The proponents of converting VHF Channels 5 and
6 to an expanded FM band have petitioned the Commission
asking them for an emergency freeze on filings on either
of these channels while the FCC considers the request
for use of this spectrum. As of this writing, there has
been no action on this request. |
|
The Commission will commence the auction of 122 new
FM channels beginning September 1, 2009. 121 parties
submitted the required short form applications,
indicating their desire to participate in the
auction. Of these, twenty-six applications were
incomplete and six were rejected. Several of the
applicants indicated they were planning on bidding
for all channels. Up front payments for the auction
were due July 31, 2009. A mock auction will be held
on August 28, 2009. |
|
The FCC issued a Public Notice some months ago
regarding the filing of minor change
applications for non-commercial facilities once
some of the analog Channel 6 stations ceased
operation. The notice indicated that stations
would have to continue to protect TV Channel 6
facilities until the Commission indicated they
did not in a subsequent Notice. However, to
date, there has still been no notice issued.
Several non-commercial applicants have requested
letters from non-operational Channel 6 stations
in order to proceed. They assumed that the
engineers for the former Channel 6 stations did
not really have an issue giving out letters
under the circumstances. |
|
Station Expansion |
We have written over
the years about the inability of a station to make
improvements, after trying for years to find a way
for an improvement. Stations continue to relocate
and make changes, in some cases, downgrading to get
closer to a desired market. These changes
occasionally open up the spectrum for improvements
for existing stations. In the FM band a relocation
to a non-adjacent channel, provided there is no
class change or community of license change, may
allow for the elimination of a directional, and
perhaps, once the initial change is made, provide
for a future upgrade. For AM stations, some daytime
only stations in very rural areas have ceased
operation and turned in their licenses. These types
of license changes may allow for a power increase
for another AM station.
|
|
Philadelphia
Welcomes Radio Broadcasters |
| The annual National Association of
Broadcasters Radio Show will convene in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania September 23,
2009 through September 25, 2009. Stu and
Jeff will be attending. If you would
like to meet during the show, please let
them know. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
