Some -- But Not All -- LPTV Channel 6 'Franken FMs' Get Reprieve From September Digital Deadline

Postpones Deadline

Some low power TV stations -- but not all -- will be allowed to remain in analog mode beyond the SEPTEMBER 1st transition deadline to digital broadcasting, which will lease some Channel 6 LPTVs that operate as de facto FM radio stations in operation.  The FCC has officially postponed the transition date "to allow analog LPTV and TV translator stations  to postpone construction of digital facilities that could be impacted by the incentive auction and repacking, if they choose to do so."

LPTVs classified as Class A TV stations will be required to cut to digital by the original SEPTEMBER 1st deadline, with licenses or applications to cover for digital facilities required by MAY 19th in order to be protected in the repacking process.

While NEW YORK SPECTRUM HOLDINGS low power Korean WNYZ-LP/NEW YORK and WEIGEL BROADCASTING's Oldies WRME-LP (87.7 ME TV FM)/CHICAGO are standard low power signal and eligible to remain on the air past SEPTEMBER 1st, another prominent "Franken-FM," HOMBRE NUEVO Spanish Religion KSFV-CD (GUADALUPE RADIO)/LOS ANGELES, is a Class A facility and presently faces the end of the analog/FM signal (it already has a licensed digital facility on RF channel 22, and airs six standard definition stations on the single low power digital channel).

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