On September 19, 2023, roughly one year after the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on updates to rules for full power and Class A stations which reflect the digital transition and completion of the post-incentive auction, current technology, and/or Commission practices, the FCC approved a Report and Order that updates the Commission’s “Part 73” rules.
As of today, those rule modifications are in effect.
The new “Part 73” rules impact full power and Class A television services, as the Commission adopted rules that it believes reflect the transition from analog to digital-only operations and the completion of the post-incentive auction transition to a smaller television band with fewer channels.
The changes also include updates designed to ensure the rules reflect the Commission’s requirements and are understandable for FCC licensees and the public.
March 4 is the effective date for the rule changes adopted in the R&O, including the rules that may have contained new or modified information collection requirements; those changes have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act.
— RBR+TVBR in Washington, D.C.
