She’s relatively new to her role as Media Bureau Chief. The LPTV Broadcasters Association is relatively new in advocating “Local Power TV,” and its low-power TV licensees, in Washington.
This led the LPTV leaders to chat with Holly Saurer, sharing with her the key legislative desires they have.
Peter Saad, recently named Executive Director of the LPTV Broadcasters Association, and its founder, entrepreneur and low-power TV licensee Frank Copsidas, shared with their members that they met with Saurer to share their priorities.
Saurer heard the group’s desire to bring LPTV licensees an opportunity to request a channel change.
That would likely require a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, as LPTV is the only radio and television service that cannot currently change channels.
Saurer also heard of the LPTV Broadcasters Association’s quest for an opportunity to have a LPTV station engage in a one-time move of up to 60 miles.
Lastly, the LPTV Broadcasters Association wants a new window to file fresh applications for LPTV Construction Permits.
The first two requests would undoubtedly occur prior to a new window for applications, should the Media Bureau be open to such an idea.
But, is it? According to the LPTV Broadcasters Association, Saurer said the Media Bureau’s top priority is getting the pending LPTV tolling and extension requests resolved. Then, the focus is on getting the FCC’s LMS database updated after the changes seen in the past year.
Saurer shared that FCC staffers Mark Colombo and Kevin Harding are working diligently to get this done, with any luck by the end of this year. “Hopefully this will mean an opportunity for some LPTV changes in middle of 2023?” Copsidas and Saad offer.
The two leaders also shared with Saurer “the amazing opportunities for LPTV” in an ATSC 3.0 deployment.
As for financing, Saurer “was surprised to learn” that the SBA will not approve loans to LPTV stations since the licenses are not considered secured. “Saurer will forward that concern to FCC personnel that engage with the SBA,” the LPTV Broadcasters Association informed its members.
“Overall, it was a very positive meeting and we wish Ms. Saurer the best and all of our support in her new position!” Copsidas and Saad shared.
