FCC Media Bureau approval of TV channel moves by Paxson and Hour ...
FCC Media Bureau approval of TV channel moves by Paxson and Hour of Harvest Inc. (HOH) would “fly in the face of well- established communications policy and standards,” MSTV said in petition to Commission. Group was referring to bids…
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by broadcasters on Ch. 60-69 to move to lower channels, clearing spectrum for other uses but requiring waivers of FCC interference rules. Media Bureau rejected first proposals by Paxson and HOH, but suggested they refile with specified modifications. Bureau action “implies” that modifications would mean applications could be approved, MSTV said, but waivers still would be “of unprecedented magnitude. It said Bureau “threatens” to change FCC interference standards without use of formal rulemaking and “without the requisite opportunity for public notice and comment.” MSTV said Paxson proposal alone would require short- spacing of 17 stations and would affect land mobile operations. Bureau indicated FCC “may be on the brink of transgressing the allotment principles the Commission, Congress and the court have long upheld,” MSTV said. It said all but one of applications would result in short spacing to more than one existing station: “The policy implied in the letter would, if adopted, drive a Mack truck through 50 years of national communications policy… without any public participation.” Policy would “degrade the public’s existing analog and future digital television service,” MSTV said.