By John Eggerton, Broadcasting & Cable Online, 4-14-17
There was plenty of praise for the FCC’s official conclusion of the broadcast incentive spectrum auction Thursday with a public notice full of stats relayed by FCC officials, but FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly was focused on what happens next for broadcasters.
The FCC also announced the new channel assignments for the 957 TV stations that will be moving, though those moves will affect other TV and radio stations as well in what is planned for a 39-month, $1.75-billion repacking tantamount, say broadcasters, to a second digital transition and one that could coincide with a move to a new ATSC 3.0 transmission standard, which is incompatible with current sets.
“Releasing the Closing and Channel Reassignment Public Notice finally removes the speculative rumors about its outcome and lets everyone start planning for the future,” said O’Rielly in a statement. “Moreover, it initializes the ability for the Commission and others to conduct substantial analysis regarding the auction structure and procedures.” » Read More