Television Broadcasters Petition FCC To Clear 700MHz Spectrum

22-Mar-01

Paxson Communications Corp. announced that a group of television station licensees and industry executives have joined together to file a Petition For Clarification And Reconsideration of the FCC's Third Report & Order which covers the rules for the 700MHz spectrum auction. These broadcasters represent 42 percent of the 99 analog television stations now operating on channels 59-69, the spectrum scheduled to be sold in the FCC's September 2001 auction. Company Chairman, Lowell W. Paxson stated that he expected additional broadcasters to sign on in support of the petition over the next few weeks, as they become more familiar with the petition's contents. The petition proposes that the FCC refine certain aspects of its Third Report & Order so that all incumbent television broadcasters licensed to operate within the 700MHz spectrum band will be able to vacate this spectrum in a timely and efficient manner. By incorporating the measures included in the incumbents' petition, the FCC would provide alternatives for allowing TV broadcasters to move their television operations outside of the 700MHz band. In addition, incorporation of the measures included in the petition will allow new wireless licensees to provide the public with innovative 3G services prior to the end of the DTV transition period, will assure increased proceeds for the U.S. Treasury, and will set the stage for the auction of spectrum in channels 52-58 in 2002.The Petition asks the FCC to act quickly so it can set the stage to put in place the band clearing plan with the following elements:1. A television station in the 59-69 band abandons its analog operation and operates as a digital-only station on its digital allotment, or 2. A television station in the 59-69 band abandons its analog operation and operates as an analog-only station on its digital allotment, taking into account the FCC's interference standards, or3. A television station in the 59-69 band abandons its analog operation and operates as a digital-only or an analog-only station on another station's analog or digital allocation, or4. An in-band broadcaster is compensated and gives up either its analog or digital channel to an incumbent and then operates as an analog or digital channel on its remaining channel allotment.5. Any television station winding up with a single channel, as a result of a band clearing agreement, can operate in an analog format and would convert to a digital facility at the end of the DTV transition.6. Incumbent television stations filing modifications to their analog or digital channels will have their requests processed within 90 days.7. The petition also requests that the FCC issue its decision on the incumbents' petition within 60 days from the date of filing.8. The petition suggests to the FCC that the 700MHz auction be postponed until January 2002, so that incumbents could file their modification petitions with the FCC and/or enter into third party agreements with in band broadcasters.The licensees and industry executives that signed in support of the petition include:Allen & Company IncorporatedB&C Kentucky, LLCBryant Broadcasting Co.Christian Communications of Chicagoland, Inc.Daystar Television NetworkEntravision Holdings, LLCJovan Broadcasting CorporationMid-State TelevisionPappas Telecasting CompaniesPaxson Communications CorporationRadiant Life Ministries, Inc.Sanger Telecasters, Inc.Shop At Home, Inc.Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.Spectrum Exchange Group, LLCTrinity Christian Center of Santa Ana, Inc. D/B/A Trinity Broadcasting NetworkTri-State Christian T.V., Inc.Unicorn CommunicationsWhitehead Media, Inc.WRNN-TV Associates LP

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