Chairman Wheeler's Response to Rep. Schiff Regarding the Impact of Broadcast TV Incentive Auctions on LPTV Stations

On Dec 9, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler responded to a letter from Rep Adam Schiff (D-CA) concerning the impact of broadcast TV incentive auctions on LPTV stations in the representative's district.

Chairman Wheeler noted that in order to help accommodate LPTV following the Incentive Auction, the May 2014 Incentive Auction Report and Order permits these stations to remain on their existing channels during the transition period after the Incentive Auction, unless or until notified that they interfere with the primary service. He also indicated that the FCC will open a special filing window for any displaced stations to request new channels. He mentioned the FCC has initiated a proceeding to address other LPTV issues related to the Incentive Auction. This proceeding proposed various options for LPTV stations to continue serving their communities, including a possible extension of the low power digital transition deadline and channel sharing for LPTV stations. He concluded by offering his assurance that the FCC will carefully review the comments in that proceeding.