The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today issued a Public Notice to facilitate the transition of local broadcasters to ATSC 3.0, the next-generation television standard designed to enhance viewer experiences with improved picture quality, immersive audio, and interactive features. The Media Bureau’s notice outlines regulatory support and clarifies processing practices for ATSC 3.0 license applications, aiming to streamline the shift from the current ATSC 1.0 standard while ensuring minimal disruption to viewers.
With this move, the FCC has created a path for local ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC stations to shut down their current free over-the-air (OTA) TV signals and switch to the new ATSC 3.0 standard. This will force millions of Americans to buy a new ATSC 3.0 converter to continue receiving television. Although there is no deadline for when this transition must be finsihed by, local TV stations will be able to request permission to fully shift to ATSC 3.0 if they meet certain requirements.
The FCC’s announcement focuses on three key areas: clarifying methods for determining eligibility for expedited processing, reaffirming the commitment to process non-expedited applications, and highlighting existing flexibilities in the rules for transitioning stations. These steps are intended to encourage broadcasters to adopt ATSC 3.0, which promises advancements like 4K resolution, mobile viewing capabilities, and enhanced emergency alerts.
For expedited processing, the FCC requires transitioning full-power and Class A stations to simulcast their primary video programming stream in ATSC 1.0, ensuring at least 95 percent of the population within a station’s noise-limited service contour (NLSC) retains access to the signal. The Bureau clarified that it will continue to use Longley-Rice terrain analysis to calculate population coverage, a method that accounts for geographical factors to assess signal reach accurately. This approach ensures a precise evaluation of whether an application qualifies for expedited processing, typically completed within 15 business days of public notice.
For stations unable to meet the 95 percent coverage threshold, the FCC reaffirmed its commitment to processing non-expedited applications on a case-by-case basis. These applications are evaluated based on their merits, with the Bureau considering factors that minimize viewer impact. For instance, the FCC may offset predicted population losses if another station with the same network affiliation serves the affected audience. Applicants are encouraged to provide detailed data, such as contour overlap maps, to demonstrate minimal disruption and public interest benefits. The Bureau also invites broadcasters to consult with its Video Division staff for guidance on navigating these requirements.
The notice also emphasizes existing flexibilities in the rules to support the transition. Notably, ATSC 3.0 stations are only required to simulcast their primary stream in ATSC 1.0, not multicast streams, allowing broadcasters to allocate resources efficiently while adopting the new standard. This flexibility aims to balance innovation with viewer accessibility.
The FCC’s efforts reflect a commitment to modernizing broadcast television while maintaining service continuity. By providing clear guidelines and encouraging coordination, the agency seeks to accelerate the adoption of ATSC 3.0, ensuring broadcasters and viewers alike can benefit from its advanced capabilities.
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