On April 22, 2025, ATBA leadership met with key FCC decision-makers to advocate for a stronger, more flexible future for Low Power Television (LPTV). Chair Kristina Bruni, Immediate Past Chair Robert Folliard, and counsel Ari Meltzer presented a clear vision to senior staff, including Media Bureau Chief Erin Boone and Chairman Brendan Carr’s office.
🔹 Highlights from the Meeting:
End the 30-Year Freeze on Major Changes: ATBA pushed to allow LPTV stations to modernize their service areas to match current demographics.
More Flexibility in Minor Changes: Advocated for removing restrictions that prevent LPTV stations from adjusting operations efficiently.
Higher Power Levels: Proposed increasing LPTV transmission power for better over-the-air reception.
Fairness in Channel Sharing: Requested that stations who shared channels during the repack be allowed to reclaim full channels when available.
Opposition to Online Political File Mandates: Reaffirmed that small broadcasters should not be burdened with complex filing requirements.
Support for NAB’s ATSC 3.0 Transition Timeline: ATBA supports a firm national shift to ATSC 3.0 to unlock datacasting, BPS (Broadcast Positioning System), and other innovations.
Call for Investment Protection: Urged the FCC to create more safeguards for LPTV stations delivering trusted local content.
This high-level engagement ensures ATBA’s voice is heard as policies are shaped—and reinforces our commitment to LPTV’s future.
