FCC Releases Update of Methodology for Repacking TV Stations

Longley-Rice Model will be used in repacking of TV stations after incentive auctions

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 2/5/2013 4:04:18 PM

The FCC has released an updated version of the Longley-Rice model and TVStudy software it will use to calculate TV station coverage areas and interference as it repacks TV stations into smaller spectrum quarters after the FCC's incentive auctions.

As first reported by TV Technology's Deborah McAdams, that notice came in a bulletin from the Office of Engineering and Technology (OET).

Broadcasters have said they would need to see that calculation and kick the tires on that software before they decide whether to participate in the auction or to gauge how harmless the FCC process will hold broadcasters who remain on the air after the auction.

The FCC sounds like it wants plenty of tire-kicking as well. OET says in the notice that it wants comments on "any errors, unexpected behaviors or anomalous results produced in running the software."

The National Association of Broadcasters was not celebrating.

"NAB is committed to working with the FCC to ensure a successful incentive auction, but we are extremely concerned about the Public Notice," said NAB spokesman Dennis Wharton. "This proposal introduces a new level of legal uncertainty as well as confusion about coverage areas and populations served by local television stations. We'll be engaged with the Commission, Congress and other stakeholders to ensure that this proposal doesn't distract or unnecessarily delay the task at hand."

The FCC has given commenters until March 21 to weigh in. Reply comments are due April 5.