FCC Repack Schedule Troubles Stations, Vendors

Broadcasters are expressing concern that the timetable proposed by the Federal Communications Commission to repack TV spectrum following the auction to wireless carriers is unworkable and that the consequences for failure to meet the deadlines under consideration are too severe.

The proposals include a 39-month window to complete channel relocation following the completion of the auction. Failure by a broadcaster to finish the channel change in that time will result in that station going dark until the work is completed.

Another proposal states that if a station is unable to complete the channel change within a year of going dark, it will be required to forfeit its broadcast license.

The order, expected to go to the commissioners for approval at their May or June open meeting, will address what the reorganized 600 MHz band will look like, provide details about the auction process, lay out the impact of the auction on broadcasters, including the repack, the reimbursement process and time line, and what happens after the repack.