FCC Unanimously Approves LPTV Update, Says No to 'Local Power Television'

The FCC unanimously approved an order on updating low-power TV and TV translator rules, said Tuesday’s Daily Digest. The item had been set for commissioners' open meeting Thursday but has been deleted from the agenda, according to the FCC’s website. The order updates rules for LPTV and translators to reflect the digital transition, and requires LPTV stations to comply with station identification requirements. The order also rejects calls from the LPTV Broadcasters Association to replace the term low-power television in FCC rules with “local power television.” The "purpose of this proceeding is to eliminate confusion within our rules,” the order said. “Because several of our rules stem from statutory requirements, and because Congress has used the term ‘low power television,’ we believe that changing this term would result in inconsistencies between the statute and the rules and would create, not eliminate, confusion within our rules,” the order said. The order also requires a minor modification permit for all LPTV station relocations, where previously LPTV stations were allowed to relocate less than 500 feet without a permit. The order updates the coordinates used to determine land mobile radio protection, and updates FCC rules for assigning LPTV call signs. “These updates reflect the Commission’s continued effort to ensure our rules clearly reflect the Commission’s requirements, and are understandable to all stakeholders,” the order said.