**DA 05-2546**

**October 4, 2005**

**FCC COMMENCES ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR ON-CHANNEL DIGITAL CONVERSION
OF LOW POWER TV AND TV TRANSLATOR STATIONS AND ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF
REVISED APPLICATION FORMS 346 AND 301-CA**

In the *Report and Order* establishing rules and policies for digital
low power television (LPTV) and television translator stations, the
Commission provided for the on-channel digital conversion of existing
stations following the effective date of the rule changes in the
proceeding and approval of revisions to the related application
forms.[^1] All of the rules and forms outlined in the *Report and Order*
have received the approval of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
and are now in effect. The February 2005 versions of FCC Forms 346 and
301-CA supersede the previous versions.

**[Applications for Digital On-Channel Conversion]{.underline}**

Effective immediately, LPTV and TV translator station licensees and
permittees may file a minor facilities change application for an
on-channel digital conversion of their currently authorized analog
facilities (a "flash-cut" application). Such applications may be filed
at any time. LPTV and TV translator stations seeking an on-channel
digital conversion must electronically-file FCC Form 346. Class A TV
stations were previously granted the authority to submit on-channel
digital conversion applications and may continue to do so by
electronically-filing FCC Form 301-CA.[^2]

***Where and How to File:*** Applicants must file the February 2005
versions of FCC Form 346 or 301-CA applications *electronically* through
the Media Bureau's Consolidated Database System (CDBS) online electronic
forms system. Instructions for use of the electronic filing system are
available in the CDBS User's Guide, which can be accessed from the
electronic filing web site at:

[**http://www.fcc.gov/mb/elecfile.html**](http://www.fcc.gov/mb/elecfile.html)

The Guide can be accessed by clicking on the CDBS link at the electronic
filing web site, above. This action will take the user to the Media
Bureau's CDBS Electronic Filing System site. The user should then click
on the "Go to CDBS User's Guide" link. Internet access to the CDBS
online electronic forms filing system requires, at a minimum, a browser
such as Netscape version 3.04 or Internet Explorer version 3.51, or
later. For assistance with electronic filing, call the CDBS Help Desk at
(202) 418-2662.

**The staff will return applications not submitted in accordance with
the procedures described above.**[^3]

**[Future Companion Digital Channel Window]{.underline}**

As set forth in the *Report and Order*, LPTV, TV translator and Class A
TV licensees and permittees will be offered an opportunity in the future
to submit applications for companion digital channels. **For each
station that seeks digital operation, the licensee or permittee must
choose between an on-channel digital conversion of its analog station or
operating a companion digital LPTV or TV translator station.** Any
station that has a license, construction permit, or pending application
for on-channel digital conversion will not be eligible to submit an
application for companion digital channel for the same station, and any
such companion digital channel application will be dismissed. The
companion digital channel window will be announced in the near future.

**[Minor Change Rule]{.underline}**

We remind applicants that applications for digital on-channel conversion
will be treated as minor change applications provided they meet the
definition of "minor change" set forth in Section 74.787(b)(1)-(2) of
the rules.[^4] That rule states that major change applications include
any change in the frequency (output channel) not related to displacement
relief or transmitting antenna location where the protected contour
resulting from the change does not overlap some portion of the protected
contour of the authorized facilities of the existing station. Other
facilities changes will be considered minor.

If you have any questions, please contact Shaun Maher, Video Division,
Media Bureau at 202-418-1600.

\--FCC\--

[^1]: ^?^ *See* *Amendment of Parts 73 and 74 of the Commission's Rules
    to Establish Rules for Digital Low Power Television, Television
    Translator and Television Booster Stations and to Amend Rules for
    Digital Class A Television Stations*, 19 FCC Rcd 19331 (2004)
    (*Report and Order*).
    <http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-04-220A1.pdf>.

[^2]: ^?^ *See* *Establishment of Class A Television Service*, 15 FCC
    Rcd 6355 (2000).

[^3]: ^?^ Applicants are also reminded that the Commission's "red light
    rule" implementing the Debt Collection Improvement Act has recently
    become effective. 47 C.F.R. § 1.1910. Under the red light rule, the
    Commission will not process applications and other requests for
    benefits that are filed by parties that have outstanding debts owed
    to the Commission. *Id*.

[^4]: ^?^ 47 C.F.R. § 74.787(b)(1)-(2).