About ATBA
Our Purpose
The Premier Association for Low-Power & Class A Broadcasters
ATBA is the only national trade association dedicated exclusively to the interests of Low Power Television (LPTV) and Class A broadcast station operators across the United States.
Founded in 1991, ATBA was created to give a unified voice to the thousands of community-focused stations that serve local audiences with news, entertainment, and public affairs programming — stations that often lack the resources and lobbying power of their full-power counterparts.
Today, ATBA represents operators navigating a rapidly changing broadcast landscape — from ATSC 1.0 infrastructure to NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0), OTT distribution, and evolving FCC regulatory frameworks. We provide our members with the advocacy, tools, and community they need to not just survive, but thrive.
Broadcast Operators
What Drives Us
Mission, Vision & Values
Every decision ATBA makes — from FCC filings to member events — flows from a clear and consistent set of principles built around operators first.
Our Mission
To protect, promote, and advance the interests of LPTV and Class A broadcasters through unified advocacy, education, and industry leadership at every level of government and industry.
- Represent operators before the FCC & Congress
- Defend spectrum rights and fair regulation
- Provide practical tools and education
- Build a united broadcast community
Our Vision
A thriving local broadcasting ecosystem where LPTV and Class A stations operate freely, compete equitably, and continue to serve their communities in the digital age and beyond.
- A vibrant LPTV sector in the NextGen TV era
- Fair spectrum access for all broadcasters
- Strong OTT & digital distribution pathways
- Sustainable business models for operators
Our Values
ATBA operates with integrity, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to the operators who build and sustain local broadcast communities across the country.
- Operators first — always
- Transparency in advocacy & governance
- Collaboration across the broadcast ecosystem
- Commitment to local communities
The Numbers Behind ATBA
By the Numbers
ATBA’s impact spans every market in the country — from major metropolitan areas to rural communities that depend on local broadcast for news and emergency information.
LPTV and Class A stations represented nationwide across all 50 states.
Advocating for low-power broadcasters since 1991 through every major spectrum transition.
Members in every U.S. state and territory, serving diverse local communities.
The only national association dedicated exclusively to LPTV and Class A station operators.
500+
FCC filings & comments submitted
40+
Annual events, webinars & roundtables
15+
Active regulatory proceedings tracked
Our Story
Three Decades of Fighting for Broadcasters
ATBA was born out of necessity. As the FCC began shaping low-power television policy in the late 1980s, LPTV operators found themselves without a unified voice in Washington. A group of station owners changed that in 1991.
Over the following decades, ATBA guided its members through the digital transition, the spectrum incentive auctions, the repack, and now the NextGen TV rollout — consistently ensuring that low-power operators had representation at every critical juncture.
Originally established as the Coalition for Free TV and Broadband during the National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Nashville — a grassroots effort that quickly grew into a fully operational alliance.
FoundingATBA actively participates in shaping provisions of the Telecommunications Act affecting low-power broadcast stations and spectrum rights.
Advocacy WinATBA advocacy contributes to the establishment of Class A television status, providing qualifying LPTV stations with enhanced interference protection.
Landmark MilestoneATBA guides hundreds of member stations through the national digital television transition, providing technical resources and regulatory guidance.
Digital EraFollowing the broadcast incentive auction, ATBA leads efforts to protect LPTV and Class A stations displaced by the spectrum repack, securing critical protections and deadlines.
Major AdvocacyATBA launches initiatives focused on helping members navigate ATSC 3.0 deployment and capitalize on emerging OTT distribution opportunities.
Digital EraATBA continues to grow its membership and influence, championing the Broadcast Overlay Plan and ATSC 3.0 adoption to ensure LPTV stations remain indispensable, connected, and relevant in the digital era.
PresentWhere We're Headed
Strategic Initiatives
ATBA’s current strategic priorities reflect the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing low-power broadcasters in today’s evolving media environment.
NextGen TV Transition Framework
Ensuring LPTV and Class A stations have a clear, technically and financially viable path in the ATSC 3.0 rollout — including equipment funding access, channel sharing agreements, and FCC rule clarity.
Spectrum Rights Protection
Actively opposing regulatory proposals and interference threats that would displace or degrade LPTV and Class A operations, including ongoing repack proceedings and new spectrum allocation debates.
OTT & Streaming Access
Advocating for equitable access to digital distribution platforms, connected TV app stores, and streaming infrastructure for Class A and LPTV stations to reach cord-cutting audiences.
Ownership & Regulatory Modernization
Pushing for FCC ownership rule updates that reflect today’s competitive media landscape, reducing regulatory burden on small and independent LPTV operators while protecting localism.
Ready to Join the Alliance?
Become part of the national community fighting for the future of low-power broadcasting. ATBA membership gives your station a seat at the table in Washington and access to the resources you need to succeed.