NAB Raises FM Disruption Concerns Again In Response To TV Repack Petition Opposition

Protecting FMs

The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS' reply to oppositions to its petition for reconsideration of the TV post-auction repack reiterates its position that the FCC take measures to protect FM stations from disruption by the work necessary to complete the channel changes.

The reply hits back at opposition comments from T-MOBILE USA, the COMPETITIVE CARRIERS ASSOCIATION, and the CTIA that the petition was untimely -- the NAB says the petition sets forth specific reforms, including to "take additional steps to mitigate disruption to FM stations and other broadcasters during repacking," and that the 39-month deadline is still subject to a petition for reconsideration itself. 

In their responses, the CCA and CTIA said that the plan was already revised to deal with FM interference, but the NAB says that the change the parties are citing, a "same tower discount," only covers reducing the work time for more than one repacked TV station on a tower and does not cover non-repacked broadcasters.

« see more Net News