We’ve watched the FCC move rule-neglecting Class A television stations down to the lower-grade LPTV status during the course of 2012, suggesting that LPTVs are an endangered species ahead of incentive auctions. But it turns out the there are government forces working in the service’s favor.

Former Chairman Joe Barton (R-TX) brought up the topic. He noted that many low power television stations faithfully serve their local communities and follow the rules, and their reward should not be getting driven out of business as part of the incentive auction program, or being forced into existence as an internet- or MVPD-based service. [Read More…]