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.
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
California’s KVCR lays off 35 staffers as it scales back local production strategy
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“Going forward we generally want to mitigate production risk,” said interim GM Keith Birkfeld.
System/Policy
Public TV is best equipped to educate on channel repack, station GM tells lawmakers
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Bohdan Zachary of Milwaukee PBS testified in Congress Tuesday on the need for consumer education following the spectrum auction.
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.”
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.
Quick Takes
Virginia public broadcaster eliminates stations’ CEO position
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As part of the reorganization of Commonwealth Public Broadcasting, WCVE President Curtis Monk will leave his position Sept. 14.
Quick Takes
KNCT-TV, victim of repack costs, will go dark at end of August
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Its licensee voted to shut down the station rather than spend $4.4 million to move its channel.
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.