FCC Proposes 2012 Low Power DTV Transition Deadline

Date coincides with timeline given to stations in 2009 to construct digital facilities

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 9/19/2010 10:40:17 PM

The FCC has put low power TV stations on notice that they need to come up with a digital conversion plan, and has proposed a 2012 hard deadline to cut the analog cord. "With the full power transition now complete and providing the incentive for viewers, we believe it is appropriate to now require low power television stations to complete their transition to digital," the commission said Friday.

While full-power broadcasters had to pull the plug June 12, 2009, low-power stations had no such deadline.

The commission issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Friday teeing up a variety of issues that need to be resolved, including whether to adopt a hard deadline for the low-power analog shut-off. "We propose that this time frame provides the best balance of allowing low power stations the flexibility needed for a successful transition to digital while ensuring that the transition occurs as quickly as possible," the commission said.

A 2012 deadline would also coincide with the three years the FCC gave low-power stations back in 2009 to construct digital facilities.

The FCC says that it will entertain suggestions for an earlier deadline, but says it is concerned that stations could transition to digital channels that might no longer be available when the FCC reallocates spectrum as part of the national broadband plan.

Low-power stations operating in channels 52-69, where full-power broadcasters have already been moved out to make way for wireless carriers, would be asked to vacate earlier, by Dec. 31, 2011.

The final comment date on the order is 90 days after publication in the federal register.