LPTV stations historically have been accorded only secondary interference protection, requiring them to accept interference from full-power stations. Despite this limitation, LPTV stations fulfill an important role in providing community-oriented programming and provide the only source for local programming in many markets. LPTV stations have managed to flourish despite the serious disadvantages of their uncertain interference status, but the current regulatory climate threatens the existence of many LPTV stations. The transition of full power stations to digital service, with the attendant relocation of LPTV stations, is straining the resources of many LPTV stations, and is creating an uncertain future for many more, particularly in areas where alternate channels are scarce. Providing LPTV stations with greater certainty will increase the access of station owners to capital, which will permit them to broaden their program offerings, grow their industry, and improve service to their communities.
Many LPTV stations are small, minority, and women owned businesses.
These stations bring diversity of ownership and diversity of programming to the broadcast industry. And in this era of mega-merger, this diversity is increasingly important. The Commission should preserve small business ownership of LPTV stations by permitting only small businesses to be eligible as Class A stations. This should permit small business LPTV owners increased access to financing, and will preserve the local and community-based nature of LPTV programming. The Commission's Class A service should protect LPTV stations from harmful interference without deterring full-power digital transition.