System/Policy
NETA attendees get update on funding outlook and auction plans
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An Association of Public Television Stations briefing focused on federal funding prospects and the next steps in the FCC’s 2016 spectrum auction.
System/Policy
House and Senate spending bills propose level support for CPB, but no interconnect funds
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The bills include level funding of $445 million for CPB.
System/Policy
House Appropriations Committee approves $445M for CPB
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But PBS’s interconnection project lacks support so far.
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.
System/Policy
Emergency management services bolster case for state funding to pubcasters
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Public broadcasters are increasingly using their contributions to emergency management when making the case for state funding.
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.
Development
APTS restructures to support strategic goals for state-level advocacy, public service
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The Association of Public Television Stations has restructured its staff to align with recently adopted strategic goals, including efforts to promote best practices, increase state and federal funding and support advocacy for the system at large. Two key staffers are stepping up to manage the expanding workload. Kate Riley, director of government relations, has been promoted to v.p., government and public affairs; she will focus on advocacy and state and federal funding. Emil Mara, v.p. for finance and administration, will direct member services. The reorganization follows through on a strategic plan adopted by the APTS board of trustees in November, according to Pat Butler, president.
Programs/Content
Public broadcasters fight limits on shooting in wilderness areas
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The proposed rule change could hamper productions at public TV stations in Oregon and Idaho.
System/Policy
APTS, cablers craft digital carriage deal
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The Association of Public Television Stations has struck a deal with the
cable industry in which major cable operators will guarantee to carry as
many as four program streams from all public television stations in their
markets once the digital TV transition is complete. Public TV regards multicast carriage as essential if it is to take full advantage of digital broadcasting capabilities. Cable companies now are required to carry only stations’ primary video feeds—analog or digital—in the present period before the DTV transition is done. The agreement, yet to be ratified by stations, would be triggered when stations give back their analog spectrum. It will not affect multicast deals that stations or PBS have already negotiated with cable operators.