The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has released the details of a new grant program to assist low-power TV and TV translator stations with the rapidly approaching digital conversion.
Under the FCC’s rules, these low-power stations may continue to broadcast analog signals after the February 17, 2009 DTV transition date. If a low-power station elects to continue analog broadcasting, it will need to obtain equipment to convert the over-the-air digital signal received from its main station into an analog signal that it can then rebroadcast. The NTIA grant will award $1,000 grants to qualified LPTV stations to purchase the necessary equipment.
Qualifying stations include LPTV, Class A TV, TV translator and TV booster stations broadcasting exclusively in analog format and that did not purchase digital-to-analog conversion devices prior to February 2006, when the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act was enacted. Low-power stations receiving their signals via satellite are not eligible.
Additional information can be found at: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/lptv/index.html
The NTIA is also planning another program to assist the upgrade of analog low-power stations to digital broadcasting. The NTIA's website encourages all LPTV stations to complete an electronic form that requests information to assist NTIA in planning for that upgrade program. http://www.ntia.doc.gov/lptv/newuser.html
If you have further questions regarding this program, please contact any attorney in our office.
