FCC To Accept Applications For Low Power TV Channel Changes

On May 28, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC or Commission) Media Bureau announced that it will partially lift its long-standing freeze on major modification applications and permit all Class A, low power television (LPTV), and television translator (TV translator) stations to file major change applications beginning on August 20, 2024, to change their existing channels.

According to the Media Bureau, this partial lifting of its long-standing freeze on major modification applications will enable stations that could not change channels before the Incentive Auction to resolve reception issues and improve television service. The FCC will accept applications on a first-come, first-serve basis and will implement a daily "cut off" for purposes of determining mutual exclusivity. As part of the first-come, first-serve approach, applicants will be given an opportunity to resolve mutual exclusivity through settlement or engineering amendment.