|
Background
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
created the Low Power Television (LPTV) service in 1982 to provide
opportunities for locally-oriented television service in small
communities. These communities may be in rural areas or may be
individual communities within larger urban areas. LPTV service
presents a less expensive and more flexible means of delivering
programming tailored to the interests of viewers in small
localized areas than traditional full service/power TV stations.
It has created opportunities for new entry into television
broadcasting, provided a means of local self-expression, and
permitted fuller use of the broadcast spectrum.
|
FCC Requirements
LPTV stations have "secondary
spectrum priority" to full-service stations. This
means LPTV stations must not cause interference to the
reception of existing or future full-service television
stations, must accept interference from full-service
stations, and must yield to new full-service stations,
where interference occurs.
When there is interference between
cable systems and LPTV stations, a "first in time,
first in right" policy applies. Under the "first
in time, first in right" policy, the cable system or
LPTV station that had initial use of the channel has first
priority and is not responsible for correcting the
interference.
|
LPTV Station Operation
LPTV stations are operated by diverse groups
and organizations - high schools and colleges, churches and
religious groups, local governments, large and small businesses
and individual citizens. LPTV modes of operation and programming
vary widely. These include satellite-delivered programming
services,syndicated programs, movies and a wide range of
locally-produced programs. LPTV stations sometimes tailor program
segments or entire schedules to specific viewer groups (on the
basis of age, language or particular interest).
On the technical side, LPTV stations transmit
on one of the standard VHF or UHF television channels. The
distance at which a station can be viewed depends on a variety of
factors - antenna height, transmitter power, transmitting antenna
and the nature of the environment (rural or urban, hilly or flat
terrain).
Applying for an LPTV Station
New applications for LPTV and TV translator
stations are only accepted during designated filing window
periods. The FCC announces these window periods at least 30 days
before the opening of the window. The announcement provides
details on how to file. Interested applicants should periodically
check the FCC's Media Bureau (MB) Web site at www.fcc.gov/mb/video
for window announcements.
Owning and Operating an LPTV Station
There is no limit on the number of LPTV
stations that may be owned by any one entity. Current broadcast
licensees, cable operators and newspapers may own LPTV stations.
LPTV stations may operate on any available VHF (2-13) or UHF
(14-51) channel provided that they do not cause objectionable
interference.
The FCC does not allocate channels for LPTV
service. Applicants select channels and apply during a given time
period.
Programming and Programming Content
LPTV stations are subject to a minimum of
program-related regulations. There are no prescribed amounts of
non-entertainment programming or local programming, and there are
no limits on commercials, and no minimum hours of operation.
However, the broadcast of obscene material is prohibited at all
times and the broadcast of indecent and profane material is
prohibited between 6 A.M. and 10 P.M.
Owning and Operating an LPTV Station
LPTV stations are limited to an effective
radiated power of 3 kilowatts (VHF) and 150 kilowatts (UHF). There
are no limits on transmitter output power and on antenna height,
as long as the tower structure has been registered with the FCC.
For more information on LPTV stations and
other telecommunications issues, contact the MB at www.fcc.gov/mb.
|
Federal Communications Commission
