LAS VEGAS — The non-profit industry organization representing Low Power, Translator and Class A TV Stations founded by “SuperFrank” Copsidas with an estimated 5,500+ stations across the U.S., for the second consecutive year, made its “Lower Power” presence known at the world’s largest conference and expo devoted to broadcast media.
The LPTV Broadcasters Association held its second industry meeting and reception in LVCC’s West Hall on Sunday, the opening day of the NAB 2023 Show. The association’s members, guests and sponsors from all over the world gathered under the theme of “Revenue Now.”
While the NAB Show attendance came in at 65,013 — well shy of expectations it would surpass 70,000, the LPTVBA says its event’s attendance exceeded all expectations.
The reception kicked off with remarks from the Barbara Kreisman, Video Bureau Chief at the FCC; and NAB Executive Vice President of Government Relations Shawn Donilon appearing alongside NAB Senior Vice President of Government Relations Jack Smedile.
Copsidas, the founder and President of the LPTV Broadcasters Association, addressed the rollout of ATSC 3.0 in the LPTV community. “LPTV is ready, willing, and able to roll out ATSC 3.0 but licensees need contour protection,” he said. “Without protection, the risk to invest makes little sense. The SBA will not loan LPTV funds for ATSC 3.0 build out as it is not a protected signal. The LPTVBA is continually working to provide our members with smart information and a voice so that the LPTV Community is heard at the FCC and in Congress.”
Copsidas went on to outline the LPTVBA’s priorities for the year ahead:
- Opportunities for one-time transmitter moves, channel changes, and new applications.
- Equipment and technology advances: from ad insertion to EAS to ATSC 3.0 and beyond.
- Future technologies – ATSC 3.0, iOT, 5G and more.
The Mike Gravino Hall of Fame Awards were also distributed, with Perry Priestley, Jeff Winemiller, and Bill Barrow earning honors.
Sponsors of the LPTVBA’s Events and Reception included Alive Telecom, American Tower, Dielectric, D2D Technologies, DTV Innovations, Elenos Group and Broadcast Entertainment, Enensys Technologies, Gates Air, Heartland Video Systems, Igolgi, Kathrein, Newsnet and Sportsnews, QVC-HSN and Wilkinson Barker Knauer.
