Will LPTV survive after spectrum auctions?

Is there a future for low power television (LPTV) stations?? It’s a question even being asked by low-power broadcasters themselves. Now, the Federal Communications Commission is on record as saying even they aren’t sure yet.

The Advanced Television Broadcasting Alliance, an industry organization of low power television broadcasters, translators, full-power television broadcasters and allied industry organizations and companies, believes the upcoming incentive auction must protect the pre-auction spectrum usage rights of all LPTV and translator operators. Under the law, these stations are considered “secondary” to Full Power and Class A services with regard to interference issues, and will therefore be ineligible to participate in the auction. Neither will they be compensated for expenses in moving to a different channel in their market should they create interference for a Full Power or Class A protected TV Broadcaster.