On November 19, 2021, the Office of Economics and Analytics (“OEA”) and the Media Bureau (“MB”) released a Public Notice that seeks comment on the procedures to be used for Auction 112, an auction of construction permits for full power television (“FPTV”) stations and announced they expect the bidding to begin in June 2022. 27 permits for allotted-but-unlicensed channels currently contained in the Table of Television Allotments will be available. Under the proposed procedures, parties seeking to participate must provide a short-form application where, among other things, the party provides ownership details and specific certifications, as well as an upfront payment.
The OEA and MB also seek comment on proposals including the minimum opening bid amounts, a prohibition on bid withdrawals, the use of the simultaneous multiple-round auction formal, reporting on bidding information after each round, and permitted increases of bid amounts.
Winning bidders that qualify as new entrants may use a bidding credit to lower the cost of its winning bid on any broadcast construction permit (47 CFR § 73.5007). A thirty-five percent bidding credit is given to winning bidders with no attributable interest in any other media of mass communications, and a twenty-five percent bidding credit will be given to those with no more than three mass media facilities. The OEA and MB will provide additional information and educational opportunities for applicants to familiarize themselves with the FCC auction application and bidding systems, including an online tutorial.
A list of the 27 permits can be downloaded here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-21-1444A2.pdf
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