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“We were most focused on reflecting the fact that what we’re building and operating are shared infrastructure platforms that are meant to serve the entire broadcast industry,” said President Erik Langner.
We discuss these technologies with Steve Bass, CEO of Oregon Public Broadcasting.
Proponents remain bullish about the technology’s prospects but see plenty of challenges in the year ahead for public broadcasters.
The commission didn’t give public broadcasters everything they wanted, but a Jan. 19 decision paves the way for implementing distributed transmission systems that will aid ATSC 3 rollouts.
The commission is giving noncommercial TV stations a break on several rules and fees, a move that public broadcasters hope will lead to increased datacasting opportunities.
Advocates are challenging a requirement that stations pay the FCC 5% of revenue from “ancillary or supplementary services,” which they say could hamper adoption of ATSC 3.0.
A new alliance with American Tower gives PMG access to more than 40,000 towers around the country where it could potentially locate booster transmitters for future SFN systems.
The business consortium of 31 public broadcasters is adding an advocacy voice in Washington.
Pubcasters didn’t get everything they wanted, but America’s Public Television Stations COO Lonna Thompson said the commission’s solution for simulcasting difficulties is “generous and fair.”