FCC Gives 10 Stations More Time to Boost DTV Coverage Area

The Federal Communications Commission has granted 10 stations more time to boost their digital television coverage area before satellite operators get to test the signals and potentially import similar signals into those TV stations' markets. The FCC permits satellite subscribers/companies to test TV station signal strength and import similar out-of-market TV stations to viewers who do not get a sufficiently strong signal from the in-market station. But during the DTV transition, the DTV signals of a number of stations are not yet at full strength or coverage for various reasons and the FCC has exempted them from the requirement since that would allow the importation of signals to viewers who will eventually be getting the relevant in-market station. The commission has said it would be flexible about such issues and work with stations making the DTV switch.