The FCC seeks public input on how to allocate $50 million in repack reimbursement funds for FMs, Low-Power TV stations and TV translators. On August 2, the agency proposed using a mechanism similar to the process for reimbursing full power and Class A television licensees and mobile video program distributors. LPTVs and TV translators are eligible for funds, if they filed an application during the Special Displacement Window and received a construction permit, and if the station was licensed and transmitting for at least nine of the 12 months before April 13, 2017.
Full power FMs and TV translators that were licensed and transmitting on April 13 of last year using towers impacted by a repacked TV station, are eligible for reimbursement under certain criteria. These are FMs that incur costs because they must permanently leave their towers or move their antennas to a different level of their current towers. Also included are stations that need to temporarily remove and disassemble their antennas, or those forced to move their transmitter to accommodate a new TV transmitter.
FMs that must temporarily move or permanently modify their transmission facilities, or buy or modify Aux facilities to provide service to “at least 80 percent of their primary coverage area or population” during construction work happening on their co-located repacked TV tower are eligible for funds. So too, are FMs that must reduce power or go off the air to protect tower workers from RF exposure. Costs to build or modify Aux facilities to permit FM broadcasting are covered, if needed to provide service to at least 80 percent or their primary stations coverage area or population.
Federal Register publication triggered comment dates. Comments are due by September 26, and replies by October 26, to MB Docket 18–214 and GN Docket 12– 268.
August 31, 2018
