CLOSING THIS WEEK!!!!!!

 

COALITION COMMENTARY
We were recently told by the FCC that the rate of MX settlements is way way low, and those affected need to file by the due date, or else end up in the open window when the freeze is lifted later in 2019.  So get talking folks, and file those agreements THIS WEEK!!!!!!!! Or get ready to auction for those channels!

HISTORIC TRANSITIONAL YEAR FOR THE INDUSTRY


2018 WAS THE YEAR CONGRESS VOTED TO INVEST INTO LPTV
BUT THE $150 MILLION CONGRESS AUTHORIZED FOR 1800 OR SO LPTV AND TRANSLATOR DISPLACEMENTS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR  100's OF STATIONS

THERE ARE TWO MAJOR TESTS 
YOU NEED TO PASS TO GET FUNDING

1)  WERE YOU ON THE AIR WHEN THE AUCTION ENDED IN 2017? AND 
WERE YOU ON THE AIR FOR 7 OF THE 12 MONTHS  PRECEDING  IT?  


2)  WERE YOU ELIGIBLE TO FILE IN THE RELOCATION WINDOW, AND DID YOU, AND DID YOU RECEIVE A NEW CHANNEL ASSIGNMENT?

The displacement filing process started in March of 2018 with over 2000 hopeful applications filed.  But now, at the end of the year, only about 1662 seem to be qualified, to file, with only 1399 given authorized for new channels, and with 235 pending.  Remember, just because you were awarded a new displacement channel, does not mean you are eligible for funding!

THERE IS A CATALOG 
OF DISPLACEMENT ELIGIBLE EXPENSES

The FCC this fall went through the rule making process with an expanded Catalog of Eligible Expenses for LPTV and FM stations.  These costs consider most of the items you will need to move and rebuild. The categories and costs contained in the Catalog are intended to serve as a reference guide, and are not intended to identify the particular expenses for which individual LPTV stations, FM stations and FM and TV translators would be eligible for reimbursement.




COALITION COMMENTARY
We still do not know why Congress would allow displaced stations relocation channels without relocation funding.  So, make sure you are qualified before you start spending money!


EVER WANT TO VISIT THE OLD NEIGHBORHOOD?
T-Mobile 600 MHz Band 71 LTE Network    
This is a map of areas where T-Mobile is deploying 600 MHz band 71 LTE network. Blue and red dots are low power TV stations notified by T-Mobile to relocate to lower channels.  The letters name large deployment areas shown in pink color on the map however deployments are expected to happen mostly inside blue contours (rough coverage of the named TV stations) and inside or around red contours within pink areas. Commencement dates are the beginning of network tests.  Not all spectrum is currently used by TV stations so deployments will also happen in areas not shown on the map.




Is LPTV Being Blamed In Repack Delays?
Or Is The Lack Of 1000' Tower Crews?

article 12 23








COALITION COMMENTARY
While we have been focused on the repack impacts and brokerage business, there are still 1000's of Class A and LPTV stations, and indie translator groups which need a steady supply of great new/old programming.  We have actually seen a lot of infilling of major markets by the major diginets with LPTV carriage.  OTA pops are OTA pops, and they count towards compensation.

There is even a new news network by an LPTV operator, NewsNet, coming out frozen tundra of  Michigan .  They are a 24/7 news channel with a focus on the headlines. NewsNet follows a classic news wheel format, delivering national and international news, weather and sports headlines every half hour.  All the best to those with big dreams, and the courage to do it!




   
NEW COMMISSIONER STARKS & REAPPOINTED COMMISSIONER CARR




 


 






COALITION COMMENTARY
And least we forget about LPTV licenses, as they are the least regulated of all TV licenses, with NO corporate welfare must-carry MVPD rights, no Next Gen TV simulcast responsibilities, and no programming requirements other than the EAS obligation.  And you can own as many as you want, witness to groups now owning 650 stations/permits, 700+ permits, 185 stations/permits, etc.  If you want to innovate in the TV space, LPTV is the place to do it. 


 





Elections Have Consequences
And The Dem's Will Now Control The E&C Committee
Which Has House FCC Oversight and Rules Jurisdiction

 

While he was Dem Ranking Member, Chairman Pallone helped out LPTV and TV translators a lot by being the first to publicly support the $150 million in displacement relocation funding.  

Subcommittee assignments are currently being made, so we will keep you informed as to the new membership, and if they are from your stations' coverage area.



and a big new year's shout out to the Summit Ridge Group
enjoy The Spectrum Handbook 2018


Excellent Resource For Everyone In This Business!






PROVEN THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
RESPECTED ADVOCACY
With the incentive auction over, the repack going full throttle, the battle for those relo funds, the looming lifting of the freeze and open filing, and the future 3.0 system coming hard at us fast, we all need representation here in DC - and we have proven to get the job done for you - so join today!


Mike Gravino
(202) 604-0747