Broadcasters have begun to deploy NEXTGEN TV within their existing channel allocations to improve service to viewers with interactivity, ultra-high definition video and more.
As these deployments unfold, the NAB believes broadcasters have discovered an area “where straightforward clarification of the Commission’s current rules would help broadcasters preserve existing service to viewers and a gap in the Commission’s 2017 rules that must be addressed.”
That’s the crux of a petition for declaratory ruling and petition for rulemaking submitted by the NAB with the Commission in the matter of “GN Docket No. 16-142,” authorizing Permissive Use of the “Next Generation” Broadcast Television Standard.
Specifically, the NAB wants the FCC to clarify that its existing rules permit a station transmitting in ATSC 3.0 to partner with one or more other stations that would host the first station’s simulcasted ATSC 1.0 multicast streams to preserve existing service in the market.
It also wants the Commission to establish rules permitting a station transmitting in ATSC 3.0 to partner with one or more other stations that would host the first station’s ATSC 1.0 multicast streams, regardless of whether those ATSC 1.0 multicast streams are simulcast in ATSC 3.0, and also permit a station transmitting in ATSC 1.0 to partner with one or more other stations to host content transmitted in ATSC 3.0.
“Grant of these requests will help preserve existing programming viewers enjoy today and will also help speed the rollout of NEXTGEN TV and its improved features and services to American viewers,” the NAB’s legal team, led by Rick Kaplan, argues.
Specifically, the NAB seeks recognition by the Commission that the licensee who originated the programming, rather than the licensee whose facilities are being used to distribute the programming, is responsible for the programming. “This approach is wholly in keeping with the Commission’s existing rules and its goal of encouraging successful ATSC 3.0 deployments,” the NAB says.
To view the petition in full, please click here.
