Congress approved an additional $1 billion in repack reimbursement funds last year and Friday, the FCC approved distribution rules for that money.
Unlike earlier funds, for the first time, FM and LPTV stations displaced by the channel repack will be eligible for reimbursement. The funds will also go to full power and Class A TV stations, and to consumer education about re-scanning their TVs to find their stations on new channels.
The Report and Order concludes that LPTV and TV translator stations are eligible for reimbursement if (1) they filed an application during the Commission’s Special Displacement Window and obtained a construction permit, and (2) were licensed and transmitting for at least nine of the twelve months prior to April 13, 2017, as required by the 2018 Reimbursement Expansion Act.
It also concludes that full power FMs, low power FMs, and FM translators that were licensed and transmitting on April 13, 2017, using the facilities affected by a repacked television station, are eligible for reimbursement. This includes FMs that incur costs to permanently relocate, temporarily or permanently modify their facilities, or purchase or modify auxiliary facilities to provide service during work on a repacked television station’s tower.
During the vote, FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly said the item has, “a special focus on FM.” He was, “sad to admit this wasn’t given sufficient attention originally.” Commissioner Brendan Carr said the additional funding, “is going to be important for rural” residents who, “rely on these stations for emergency alerts” and other important programming.
The NAB was pleased. NAB EVP Communications Dennis Wharton thanked the agency for working to, “expeditiously implement” the rules. “Under a tight timeline, the staff worked incredibly hard to reach a balanced outcome that is as fair as possible, given the challenges presented by the repack,” said Wharton. “We are committed to working with the Commission to ensure that tens of millions of viewers and listeners do not lose radio and TV service as the repack continues.” Comments? Email Us.
March 18, 2019
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