On May 28, 2024, the Media Bureau released a Public Notice announcing that Class A, low power television (“LPTV”), and TV translator stations may file applications to change channel starting August 20, 2024. No other major changes are permitted at this time; they are restricted to a change in channel or those that could be requested in a minor modification application.
Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-serve basis and will be “cut off” daily to determine mutual exclusivity (i.e. all applications filed on the same day will be treated as mutually exclusive regardless of the time they are filed). There is no geographic restriction on applications. This opportunity to change channels will remain open indefinitely unless subsequently frozen.
All channel change applications are required to be filed via the FCC’s Licensing and Management System (“LMS”). Class A Channel Change Applications will carry an application fee of $4,755.00. LPTV and TV Translator Channel Change Applications will carry a fee of $865.00.
This comes as the first step in lifting the freeze on major modifications. At a future date, the Bureau will announce plans to lift the freeze on all major changes to Class A, LPTV, and TV translator stations (e.g., relocating transmitter sites greater than 30 miles or without contour overlap) and resume first-come, first-serve applications for new LPTV and TV translator stations.
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