WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FCC’s Video Division Chief has given the green light to an upgrade request for a television station offering PBS programming to Iowa’s largest market.
At the end of August, the FCC established a public comment period offering input on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking associated with the upgrade request from Iowa PBS.
Specifically, Iowa Public Broadcasting Board sought Commission approval to move KDIN-TV from VHF Channel 11 to Channel 34, licensed to Des Moines.
In order for this to happen, Channel 34 would need to be assigned to Des Moines, changed from Ames, Iowa, where it is currently vacant. Replacing the Ames facility on the table of allotments would be a new facility at Channel 21.
Fueling the request — “viewer reception challenges,” which is nearly a universal reason for such asks at the Commission. While in the analog era a VHF signal was more favorable, in the digital era it is a UHF signal that is better.
During the comment period, Iowa PBS filed comments in support of its position; no other comments were received.
As such, Iowa PBS may now proceed with the upgrade.
