Trying to get a fix on exactly when the final DTV transition deadline will be has lately been a lot like trying to nail Jell-o to the wall. The Senate has voted unanimously in favor of extending the deadline from February 17 to June 12.… Continue Reading
From much of the trade press coverage of the ION/Urban "share-time" proposal, it would appear to be an odds-on mortal lock for approval. With so many regulatory stars aligning just so, it's hard to see where the downside to the proposal may be. But wait.… Continue Reading
As directed by Congress last month, the FCC adopted rules on January 15, 2009, permitting many full power TV stations to continue to operate their analog transmitters beyond February 17, 2009, when all normal full power normal analog broadcasting is scheduled to end. Analog transmitters may stay on the air only to transmit emergency messages and information about the DTV transition and must shut down completely no later than 11:59:59 p.m. on March 19, 2009.… Continue Reading
The deadline is a statutory matter. The FCC technically has no say in the date. But that hasn't stopped a couple of the Commissioners from doing their best to muddy the already muddied waters just a little bit more.… Continue Reading
We're starting to hear rumblings that February 17 might have to step aside for some later date - to be determined - for the DTV transition.… Continue Reading
That loud clunking noise you heard a little while ago was the NTIA's DTV converter coupon program hitting its upper spending limit. So NTIA has announced that, until Congress slips it some more cash (or until it hits the Powerball), anyone sending in for a DTV coupon will be placed on a waiting list.… Continue Reading
If you're planning on submitting comments in response to the FCC's Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) concerning digital replacement translators, you've got until Monday, January 12 to get them filed. The NPRM appeared in the Federal Register bright and early on January 2.… Continue Reading
If you are planning to file comments on the FCC's effort to implement the "analog nightlight" service, you'd better put aside thoughts of a pleasant New Year's Eve and New Year's Day holiday and start drafting now. Comments are officially due on Monday, January 5, 2009. Reply comments are due three days later, on Thursday, January 8.… Continue Reading
The Media Bureau has announced that it will start accepting applications for new replacement digital translators on January 5, 2009. The STA window will be open for business as well. Here's how the system will work.… Continue Reading
Acting with blazing speed, on Christmas Eve the Commission released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) setting out the tentative standards and processes for implementation of the SAFER Act which was signed into law on December 23, just the day before the NPRM was released. The SAFER Act - which the FCC now catchily refers to as the "Analog Nightlight Act" - authorizes continued, albeit very limited, operation of some analog TV stations beyond the previously-established February 17, 2009, termination date of such operation.… Continue Reading
The FCC has proposed opening a special opportunity for full power television stations to apply for what will be known as digital "Replacement" translators to fill in gaps in the coverage of their primary signal.… Continue Reading
We have nothing new to report about the ION/Urban proposal to sell share-time "licenses" (in secondary DTV streams), but we do have some news about the FCC's processing of that proposal. The Commission has announced that the application will be treated as a "permit-but-disclose" proceeding.… Continue Reading
In a deft attempt to snag FCC-blessed mandatory cable carriage for non-primary digital streams - an issue which the FCC has managed to dodge for years - ION Media Networks and BET founder and billionaire Robert Johnson have lobbed in an assignment application which, if granted, would likely have profound effects on the DTV television industry. The FCC has invited public comment on (or petitions to deny) the proposal.… Continue Reading
The FCC has its hand in more broadcasters' pockets again. Effective November 10, 2009, responsibility for annual fees of 5% of revenues from ancillary or supplemental services (e.g., data transmission) extends to DTV permittees as well as DTV licensees. The fees are due on December 1.… Continue Reading
Another omen of the coming DTV Transition – the FCC has added a new search option to its CDBS Public Access menu. Now you have the option of clicking on “Search for DTV Station Information”, which will whisk you to a query page that permits searches based on call sign, facility ID number, channel, city/state of … Continue Reading
On September 26, the FCC released a short Declaratory Order clarifying certain issues relating to the mandatory carriage of DTV broadcast television stations on cable systems. The Order addresses the post-DTV transition effect of television stations’ must carry elections (which are due on or before October 1, 2008), the post-DTV transition channel placement rights and obligations … Continue Reading
Readers of this blog know that full-power analog TV stations will go off the air for good on February 17, 2009, leaving only their digital counterparts. Sadly, though, not everyone is so
well-informed. Come that Tuesday morning, a lot of people will turn on their trusty old TVs, ready to start the day with a little news or Gilligan's Island, and instead see . . . nothing.
With a little advance warning, those folks can either upgrade to digital TVs or attach a government-subsidized adapter to the old one. But some people -- many of them ...… Continue Reading