System/Policy
They’re alive — but NPR wants to drive a stake in ‘Franken FMs’
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In an FCC proceeding, the network argued that FM radio services operated by low-power TV stations are a “grossly inefficient use of spectrum.”
System/Policy
Changes to FCC licensing standards lay groundwork for new radio filing windows
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Based on staff workloads and other FCC deadlines, a window for new noncommercial educational stations could open as early as next summer.
System/Policy
In FCC proceeding, APTS makes case for aiding FirstNet
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“To leave public television stations … on the sidelines of the FirstNet infrastructure is to ignore a robust, reliable and ubiquitous partner whose public safety capabilities have proven effective in a variety of critical use cases,” APTS told the FCC.
System/Policy
FCC proposal to end Channel 6 protections draws conflicting responses from NPR, KKJZ
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In comments filed this month, the California station raised concerns about TV channels interfering with radio broadcasts.
System/Policy
Michigan university gets go-ahead from FCC to build out educational broadband
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Northern Michigan University will take its rural broadband service to the state’s Lower Peninsula.
System/Policy
In EBS vote, FCC denies special treatment for public broadcasters
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The FCC plans to auction off Educational Broadband Service spectrum and give commercial buyers an equal shot at snapping it up.
System/Policy
FCC vote will ease satellite-carriage requests for TV stations
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The previous requirements had tripped up at least one public TV station.
System/Policy
FCC proposal to allow sales of EBS spectrum gets thumbs-down from public TV
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Representatives of stations told FCC officials that allowing sales of the educational spectrum could create a “hostile leasing environment.”
System/Policy
FCC draft plan for repack aid turns down PBS request, favors assistance to TV stations
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The commission declined to reimburse wireless provider T-Mobile and left reimbursing radio stations a lower priority.
FCC
FCC gives green light to revising rules governing LPFMs, other noncoms
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“We’re aiming to provide greater clarity to broadcast applicants and thus make the process easier for them, deliver more new services to the listening public, and reduce appeals of our comparative licensing decisions,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai.
Quick Takes
Pubcasters complain FCC rules on satellite renewal are ‘antiquated’
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TV stations are now required to renew satellite carriage requests every three years.
Quick Takes
PBS encourages FCC to disburse additional repack funds to stations
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The FCC must set reimbursement rules for translators and FM stations by March 23.
System/Policy
FCC takes new look at how it settles competing applications from noncoms
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A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking also suggests some changes affecting low-power FM broadcasters.
Quick Takes
NPR asks FCC for flexibility in aiding radio stations affected by TV repack
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In comments filed Wednesday, the network said eligible expenses proposed by the FCC “should be considered an initial provisional list of common anticipated expenses rather than a definitive catalog of all eligible reimbursable expenses.”
Tech
In FCC comments, NPR backs industry plan for reallocating satellite spectrum
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NPR said the proposal by the C-Band Alliance “offers a workable, if yet unproven option” for resolving the matter.
Quick Takes
NPR urges FCC to provide ‘full reimbursement’ for radio stations affected by repack
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Local stations “have limited financial and operational resources to absorb the impact of the TV repack,” NPR said in FCC comments.
System/Policy
FCC’s proposed update to EBS rules prompts comments from public media
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Some 50 public broadcasters hold licenses to use spectrum in the 2.5 GHz band for educational services and other purposes.
System/Policy
PBS push to preserve translator services awaits FCC decisions
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By the time the FCC’s extended filing deadline passed June 1, operators of 688 translators carrying programming of 55 PBS member stations had applied for new channels.
System/Policy
Pubcasters may benefit from potential FCC changes to use of educational spectrum
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The commission is considering rule changes that could give educational institutions and some public broadcasters more flexibility to make money from frequencies in the EBS band.
System/Policy
NPR opposes FCC proposal to expand use of C-band satellite spectrum
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The network has told the FCC that the plan could interfere with delivery of public radio programs to stations.