Gray Television has pursued a strategy of using low power television stations to carry Big Four network programming in small DMAs. It is now seeking an FCC proceeding that will allow the stations to upgrade to Class A status, not to participate in the auction but as a post-auction going concern.
Gray has more than enough LPTV stations to have standing in the matter.
It opened remarks to the FCC with a headcount. It owns and operates 36 LPTV stations in dozens of markets. And eight of them are Big Four affiliates.
Gray believes that it is clear that there will be a lot of casualties among the LPTV community in the form of stations that cannot be relocated when repacking is commenced.
It also believes that stations that secure a new channel and agree to honor the public service requirements to which Class A stations are subject – essentially the same obligations to which full power stations are beholden – should be allowed to apply for an upgrade from LPTV to Class A.
It said that “…those LPTV stations that do secure a channel and that demonstrate a commitment to serving their local communities should be given the opportunity to apply for Class A status and secure a permanent channel in the post-auction environment.”
Gray said that opening the proceeding is completely within the FCC’s statutory authority and requested that a Class A application window be opened.
Gray concluded, “Gray encourages the Commission to act promptly to secure the future of those LPTV stations that are actively serving their communities by giving them a path forward to obtain Class A status following the conclusion of the spectrum incentive auction.”
