System/Policy
TV broadcasters get another shot at leveraging channels into cash
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As the spectrum auction winds down, the FCC plans to open another opportunity for stations to negotiate channel-sharing deals.
Tech
Working group may form to shape pubmedia’s ATSC strategy
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The CEO of Public Media Co. says pubcasters are at risk of losing out to commercial interests if they fail to advocate for their use of the upcoming technical standard.
System/Policy
GOP commissioners signal intent to review reporting requirements for public broadcasters
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Under a Republican-controlled FCC, public broadcasters will get a new hearing for their objections to disclosures required of station board members.
System/Policy
Pubcasters press for relief on FCC rule requiring board data
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Stations fear the new rule could discourage board participation.
spectrum auction
FCC turns down special protection for public TV translators in spectrum auction
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Translator operators may not be able to find new channel space after the auction is over.
Tech
Pubcasters seek relief in carriage standoff with satellite companies
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Some satellite TV subscribers lack access to news, public affairs and other programming from their state networks.
Tech
Sony, WGBH roll out cloud-based alternative to master-control systems
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The companies say Public Media Management should save stations money while protecting their ability to control local programming.
FCC
Public radio outlets ask FCC for pass on online public files
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Maintaining online public files would be too big a burden for some radio stations, pubcasters argue.
spectrum auction
Pubcasters ask FCC to boost payouts for auction participants opting for VHF channels
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A Virginia broadcaster might swap some of its UHF TV channels for VHF during the FCC’s incentive auction and wants a bigger payout than currently proposed.
FCC
FCC suggests exempting public radio from new online public file requirements
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The FCC is considering giving public radio stations at least two additional years — and maybe even a complete exemption — from a proposed agency regulation that could soon require other radio stations to start publishing public file records online, the agency said in a recent notice. “We recognize that some radio stations may face financial or other obstacles that could make the transition to an online public file more difficult,” said the FCC, in a notice of proposed rulemaking released December 18. “Accordingly, we believe that it is reasonable to commence the transition to an online public file for radio with stations with more resources while delaying, for some period of time, all mandatory online public file requirements for other stations.”
The online proposal is part of an agency effort to make key station records more easily accessible to the public. Under existing FCC rules, all broadcasters, commercial and noncommercial alike, are required to maintain publicly available files that disclose a variety of information about their operations, including details about their ownership. Commercial stations must also include information about political advertising sales in the public files.