MM Docket No. 87-268
Advanced Television Systems and Their Impact Upon the Existing Television Broadcast Service
Adopted: July 28, 1995; Released: August 9, 1995
Comment Date: October 18, 1995
Reply Comment Date: December 4, 1995
By the Commission: Chairman Hundt, Commissioners Quello, Barrett, Ness, and Chong issuing separate statements.
I. INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 II. BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 A. Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 B. Technological Developments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 III. ISSUES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 A. Spectrum Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 B. Definition of Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 C. Eligibility Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 D. Public Interest Obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 E. Transition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 1. Simulcast Requirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 2. Licensing of ATV and NTSC Stations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 F. Transition Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 G. Recovery of Spectrum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 H. Length of Application/Construction Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 I. Small Markets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 J. Noncommercial Stations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 K. All-Channel Receiver Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 L. Must Carry and Retransmission Consent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 V. THIRD NOTICE OF INQUIRY 86 VI. CONCLUSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
2. Ever since the late 1920's when experimental station permits were first issued, television broadcasting has had significant impact on American society. Free, over-the-air, universal broadcast television has served the public well. It has made accessible to virtually every American a range of programming, from news of international importance to events of local significance, as well as, of course, many hours of entertainment.
3. The broadcast television service has seen a number
of significant developments in the past half-century, including
the allocation of UHF channels and the introduction of
color broadcasting. When we began this proceeding in 1987,
we believed that we were on the cusp of another similar
development, the introduction of a major technical improvement
in picture quality over the current NTSC(n3) television system
-- High Definition Television. But the genius of the engineers
who have labored to produce the technical advances and
system developments of the past few years has opened the
door to an even more dramatic change in the nature of the
broadcast television service: the introduction of a dynamic
and flexible digital broadcast television technology.
4. Digital encoding and transmission technology has evolved and matured to the point where we are confident that it would not only permit the broadcast of a digital High Definition Television signal over a 6 MHz channel, but that it would also allow for an array of additional alternative uses. The current state of the art, which reflects advances in digital technology and, in particular, use of digital compression technology and a packetized transport scheme, allows for multiple streams, or "multicasting," of Standard Definition Television ("SDTV")(n4) programming at a quality at least comparable to, and possibly better than, the current analog signal. It allows for the broadcast of literally dozens of CD-quality audio signals. It allows for the rapid delivery of huge amounts of data; an entire edition of the local daily newspaper could be sent, for example, in less than two seconds. It allows broadcasters to send, simultaneously, video, voice and data. In addition, it allows broadcasters to provide a range of services dynamically, that is, it allows them to switch easily and quickly from one type of service to another. For example, a broadcaster could transmit a news program consisting of four separate, simultaneous SDTV program streamsfor local news, national news, weather and sports; then transmit an HDTV commercial with embedded data about the product; then transmit a motion picture in an HDTV format simultaneously with unrelated data.
5. The broadcast industry, including equipment manufacturers,
has been at the forefront of developing digital technology
for television. Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) is already
transmitting with digital technologies, with SDTV-type
quality. Other service providers are actively exploring
the introduction of digital transmission technologies.
These events, coupled with the technological developments
described above, have given rise to greater confidence
in the practical feasibility of dynamic transmission of
multiple streams of information and changed the equation
that yielded the decisions contained in our 1992 order.
Revisiting our earlier decisions is consistent with our
statutory responsibility to "encourage the provision of
new technologies and services to the public," 47 U.S.C.
§ 157, as well as with our general statutory obligation
to promote the public interest, since these developments
have the potential to provide profound benefits to the
American public. Accordingly, we issue this Notice to
explore how to ensure that the introduction of digital
broadcast television furthers the public interest in all
respects.
6. In deciding what rules should govern the transition
to digital television, we recognize our obligation to manage
the spectrum efficiently and in the public interest and
to take account of the legitimate interests of all those
with a stake in that transition. With the foregoing considerations
in mind, we will pursue and balance the following goals
in this proceeding: 1) preserving a free, universal broadcasting
service; 2) fostering an expeditious and orderly transition
to digital technology that will allow the public to receive
the benefits of digital television while taking account
of consumer investment in NTSC television sets; 3) managing
the spectrum to permit the recovery of contiguous blocks
of spectrum, so as to promote spectrum efficiency and to
allow the public the full benefit of its spectrum; and
4) ensuring that the spectrum -- both ATV channels and
recovered channels -- will be used in a manner that best
serves the public interest.
7. As we explain more fully below, recent developments
do not change our view that the public interest is best
served by affording incumbent broadcasters the means to
provide digital advanced television. Permitting broadcasters
to transition to digital will ensure recovery of spectrum,
to which we remain fully committed. Accordingly, temporary
grant of an additional 6 MHz channel for digital broadcasting
will be explicitly conditioned on, among other things,
return of one of the channels at the end of the transition
period. We invite comment on whether we should require
that broadcasters also change their channels at the end
of the transition period, so that the spectrum that will
ultimately be recovered can be aggregated into contiguous
blocks, thereby increasing its potential value for new,
as yet undefined, uses.
8. While recent developments do not change our view that
existing broadcasters should be provided temporary use
of an additional 6 MHz channel to permit a transition to
digital technology without immediate loss of service to
the NTSC-viewing public, they dochange our view about what,
if any, restrictions should apply to use of the second
channel. Therefore, in this Notice, we ask what limits
should be placed on use of the ATV channel.
9. Broadcasters are now subject to a number of public
interest requirements, including the obligation to air
issue-responsive programming, children's educational and
informational programming, and to provide access to candidates
for federal office. These public interest requirements
were developed for the analog world, in which each broadcast
licensee could do no more than send one signal over its
single channel. Digital technology allows each broadcast
licensee to send several streams of video programming simultaneously,
as well as a mix of video and non-video services. The
technology also raises the possibility that a broadcaster
can send a mix of subscription and non-subscription services.
In this Notice, we ask for comment on how the conversion
to digital broadcasting should affect broadcasters' public
interest obligations.
10. With consumer interests in mind, the Notice revisits
the issue of simulcasting, as it must if broadcasters will
be permitted to multicast. We ask whether we should impose
a modified simulcast requirement, under which an ATV licensee
would be required to simulcast the programming presented
on the NTSC channel (with the exception of commercials
and promotions) on a program service of the ATV channel.
Further, we revisit the issue of the transition period.
In setting transition rules, we must balance the benefits
of a rapid conversion to digital technologies with our
concerns over the number of households that continue to
rely on NTSC transmission. In so doing, we also take note
of continuing technological advances and other factors
that may result in a decline in the cost of receiver and
converter prices. We invite comment on what objective
benchmark(s) we could use to determine when to require
broadcasters to cease NTSC transmissions and surrender
one of their 6 MHz channels and on what mechanisms, other
than the date certain approach we adopted in 1992, would
create incentives for rapid adoption of ATV by consumers,
broadcasters, manufacturers and others.
11. In sum, this Notice invites comment on a wide range
of issues with respect to the conversion by television
broadcasters to digital television, including some not
addressed in the foregoing discussion. Our free over-the-air
television service is a critical national medium and resource,
and the issues raised in this proceeding are central to
the direction that medium will take in the twenty-first
century. The advent of digital technology promises a quantum
leap in the benefits that may be derived from television
service. Accordingly, we invite commenters to provide
us with their views and available data with respect to
the issues raised in this Notice, as delineated in detail
below, to ensure that the rules we fashion in this proceeding
serve the goals that we have identified above and the public
interest in general.
B. Technological Developments
13. Over the past eight years, we have issued a number
of Notices concerning ATV and, based upon the comments
received, have made a number of decisions.(n8) For example,
we previously decided "that an ATV system that transmits
the increased information of an ATV signal in a separate
6 MHz channel independent from an existing NTSC channel
will allow for ATV introduction in the most non-disruptive
and efficient manner."(n9) While not further defining the
service that could be provided on the ATV system, we expected
that programming on the ATV channel would "take full advantage
of ATV technical capabilities."(n10) We contemplated that ATV
would be used to provide the HDTV service mentioned above
-- a single channel of television with considerably enhanced
visual and aural qualities over those of NTSC analog service.
14. Our previous decisions recognized that ATV might allow for such innovations as a choice of camera angles for viewers. Also, we believed that, in addition to HDTV, the ATV system could be used to provide services analogous to the ancillary uses of NTSC broadcast signals such as the use of the Vertical Blanking Interval ("VBI"), Subsidiary Communications Authorizations ("SCA"), and Second Audio Programming ("SAP"). Theseservices, we continued, could be used for revenue raising purposes.(n11) However, because we did not want such ancillary uses to predominate over the primary HDTV use of the channel, we sought comment on whether we should require some minimum operating schedule for ATV and deferred further defining of "ATV programming" until we had "the benefit of a record on other types of advanced technology that might be appropriately permitted on the ATV channel."(n12)
15. Since we issued our last decision in this matter,
significant developments have occurred. At the time of
our last decision in this matter, there were five competing
HDTV systems under evaluation by the Advisory Committee.
In February of 1993, the Advisory Committee reported
that a digital HDTV system was achievable, but that all
four competing digital systems would benefit significantly
from further development and none would be recommended
over the others at that time.(n13) In May of 1993, seven companies
and institutions that had been proponents of the four tested
digital ATV systems joined together in a "Grand Alliance"(n14)
to develop a final digital ATV system for the standard.
16. The Grand Alliance, in cooperation and consultation
with the Advisory Committee, has now developed a single
digital system incorporating the best performance features
of the four previous digital systems and improving upon
the designs of those systems.(n15) Rather than being limited
to transmitting one HDTV service, a fully digital system,
such as that developed by the Grand Alliance, can provide
one HDTV service, several SDTV services, or a host of non-broadcast
services alone or in combination with broadcast services.
The system flexibility also permits switching among functions
as needed.
17. The Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC)(n16)
has documented the Grand Alliance system in its "Digital
Television Standard For HDTV Transmission." That standard
includes discrete subsystem descriptions for video source
coding and compression, audio source coding and compression,
service multiplex and transport, and RF/transmission.
It has been developed from the "Digital HDTV Grand Alliance"
proposal to the Advisory Committee. The standard documents
the system's ability to deliver one HDTV video program,
one or more associated audio services, data for ancillary
services and other services as may be developed. Although
the Grand Alliance system was not designed to include SDTV,
broadcasters have indicated a substantial interest in it.
The Grand Alliance system appears capable of supporting
multiple SDTV services, and, accordingly, the ATSC's Technology
Group on Distribution (T3) voted to recommend a revision
of the standard to include SDTV video formats that are
consistent with the Grand Alliance HDTV system. The revision
is currently being considered under letter ballot by the
full ATSC committee.
18. Many aspects of the Grand Alliance system promote compatibility with computer applications and thus enhance its ability to support the National Information Infrastructure ("NII"), an important feature in guiding our deliberations. The Grand Alliance has employed a layered, all-digital architecture, including a transport scheme that is based on the widely-accepted MPEG-2 standard.(n17) Compatibility with computers is also aided by the Grand Alliance system's use of square pixels in most scanning formats and support for progressive scan video inputs and progressive compression formats.(n18) The Grand Alliance system accommodates both progressive and interlaced scanning by defining a variety of transmission formats which can be converted as required on a display chosen by consumers based on their specific requirements. In these ways, the Grand Alliance has attempted to accommodate computer industry concern, which has earned widespread support from that industry.(n19)
19. It has become apparent that the flexibility of the
Grand Alliance system willallow for more applications and
alternative uses than we had previously contemplated. This
causes us to revisit some of our assumptions and to re-evaluate
a number of our prior decisions. We are issuing this Fourth
Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making and Third Notice
of Inquiry to invite comment on several aspects of this
changed ATV environment and their ramifications for this
proceeding. We also expect to issue another Notice after
we receive a recommendation concerning an ATV standard
from the Advisory Committee; and an additional Notice proposing
an ATV Table of Allotments and assignment methodology.
Barring any unforeseen difficulties, we intend to prepare
each of these Notices expeditiously and to act promptly
upon our receipt of responsive comments.
20. Previous Decision. The Commission previously decided that ATV would be introduced by assigning existing broadcasters a temporary channel on which to operate an ATV station during a transition period and that the spectrum needed for the transition would be obtained from the spectrum currently allocated to broadcasting.(n20) The transition was premised on avoiding a severe disruption to existing service, as both broadcasters and consumers would have to obtain new equipment to enable them to provide and enjoy, respectively, the benefits of ATV service.(n21) Moreover, the Commission decided that, for reasons of spectrum efficiency, any ATV system would have to "transmit the increased information of an HDTV signal in the same 6 MHz channel space used in the current television channel plan."(n22)
21. Discussion. As noted above, the transmission system
has been designed for a 6 MHz channel and the Grand Alliance
has achieved remarkable results in developing a system
with great capability and flexibility that can operate
within this confine. We thus continue to believe that
providing 6 MHz channels for ATV purposes represents the
optimum balance of broadcast needs and spectrum efficiency.
We invite comment, however, on any means of achieving
greater spectrum efficiency.
B. Definition of Service
23. The digital transmission system designed by the Grand
Alliance, as currently proposed, would provide broadcasters
with new flexibility and new capabilities as they embark
on serving the American public with the next generation
of television. Broadcasters will be capable of providing
through ATV not only a vastly improved high definition
picture, but also multiple program streams. In addition,
the ATV system is capable of nonbroadcast uses that are
nonvideo and/or subscription-based in nature. Allowing
at least some level of flexibility would increase the ability
of broadcasters to compete in an increasingly competitive
marketplace, and would allow them to serve the public with
new and innovative services. Flexibility could also allow
for a more rapid transition to digital broadcasting. Nonetheless,
any flexibility afforded broadcasters must not undermine
our American system of universal, free, over-the-air television.
In establishing a regulatory framework for the provision
of ATV in light of this new flexibility, we therefore seek
comment on the following questions:
Should we require broadcasters to provide a minimum
amount of HDTV and, if so, what minimum amount should be
required?
To what extent should we allow broadcasters to use their
ATV spectrum for uses other than free, over-the-air broadcasting?
We recognize that we currently allow broadcasters to use
a portion of their analog spectrum for ancillary and supplementary
uses that do not interfere with or detract from their primary
broadcast function. Should such uses of the ATV spectrum
be permitted and, if so, how should they be defined? What
portion of the ATV system's capacity should be allowed
to be used for ancillary and supplementary services?
To what extent should we allow broadcasters to use their
ATV spectrum for services that go beyond traditional broadcast
television or ancillary and supplementary uses analogous
to those allowed under our current regulatory regime?
Should broadcasters be permitted to provide nonbroadcast
and/or subscription services?(n23) If so, how should such services
be defined and howmuch of the ATV system's capacity should
be allowed for such uses? If allowed, what regulation,
if any, would be appropriate for such services?
24. In responding to the above questions, if commenters
propose that licensees be required to meet any requirements
(such as a minimum HDTV requirement) or be limited in providing
ancillary and supplementary services, they should include
comment on the administrative processes we would use to
implement any requirements or limitations. For instance,
how should we measure use -- by the amount of time, data
packet "headers," or by some other means? Should the time
of day when broadcast or other video service is offered
have any significance? What administrative process should
we use to enforce such a requirement -- self reporting,
complaints from the public, operating logs, etc. -- and
what costs would be associated with each?
C. Eligibility Issues.
25. Previous Decision. In the Second Report/Further Notice the Commission established that during the initial period, existing broadcasters would have the first opportunity to acquire ATV channels. Included in the class of existing broadcasters were: a) all full-service television broadcast station licensees; b) permittees authorized as of October 24, 1991, the date of adoption of the Notice in this proceeding; and c) all parties with applications for a construction permit on file as of October 24, 1991, who are ultimately awarded full-service broadcast station licenses.(n24)
26. The eligibility determination was premised on
the expectation that HDTV would be a single channel method
of delivering higher picture and sound quality. The Commission
previously set forth several reasons for limiting initial
eligibility to existing broadcasters. These included:
"[E]xisting broadcasters' continued involvement in ATV is the most practical, expeditious, and non-disruptive way to bring improved service to the American public. [Footnote omitted.] Existing broadcasters possess the know-how and experience necessary to implement ATV swiftly and efficiently. They have invested considerable resources in the present system and represent a large pool of experienced talent. As initial participants in the transition to ATV, existing broadcasters will be making an appreciable capital investment in this new technology and will undertake the business risks associated with being in the forefront of such new developments."(n25)
Setting an eligibility standard avoids the delay that would be caused by allowing a wider pool to apply and having to hold comparative hearings. Limiting eligibility, at least for the initial period, is the most practical, expeditious, and non-disruptive way to bring about improved service.(n26)
Defining eligibility allows the Commission to establish an orderly transition period, with the end result being the recovery of a block of spectrum.(n27)
We also noted that the exclusive initial eligibility period
would last only a brief period of time and would not indefinitely
impede new entrants.(n28) We view the process as one in which
broadcasters will engage in an exchange of spectrum: the
temporary use of two channels to ensure continued service
to the NTSC-viewing public, with the certain return of
one of those channels no later than the end of the transition
period. The recovered spectrum will be available for broadcast
or other services as we shall determine in the future.
27. Discussion. We continue to believe that initial eligibility should be limited to existing broadcasters given the shortage of suitable spectrum and our decision not to allocate additional spectrum for this purpose. We are still asking existing broadcasters to inaugurate a television service that will deliver a signal of superior quality.(n29)
28. Furthermore, we are not creating a new service,
and our eligibility restrictiondoes not ultimately result
in more spectrum for broadcasters or less spectrum for
others. We are merely moving each existing broadcaster
from one channel to a different channel in a one-for-one
exchange designed to accomplish a number of long-term public
interest goals.(n30) Broadcasters will be required to cease
their analog operations after a relatively short period,
thereby permitting a swift, certain transition to digital
technology and a rapid recovery of spectrum for the benefit
of the public.
29. We believe that we are not precluded by Ashbacker
Radio Corp. v. FCC, 326 U.S. 327 (1945), from limiting
initial eligibility to incumbent broadcasters, even if
we permit flexible use of the digital system and especially
since the broadcasters' "analog" operations will be shut
down and one of the channels will be relinquished.(n31) Under
Section 309 of the Communications Act, as applied by the
Supreme Court in United States v. Storer Broadcasting Co.,(n32)
we are authorized to set licensee eligibility standards.(n33)
As an independent matter, we note that we also have authority
under Section 316 of the Communications Act, 47 U.S.C.
§ 316, to modify existing licenses as the public interestrequires.
In so doing, our actions are not governed by the hearing
and other requirements of Section 309 of the Act.(n34) In
light of our authority under both Storer and Section 316
of the Act, we invite comment on our tentative conclusion
that no Ashbacker problem is presented by our proposals.
30. While we reiterate our tentative conclusion to limit
initial eligibility for ATV frequencies to existing broadcasters,
we seek comment on the potential impact our proposal would
have on the Commission's long standing policy of fostering
programming and ownership diversity. Specifically, we
seek comment on what measures, if any, the Commission may
adopt to include new entrants into this emerging era of
digital television.
31. Some parties have suggested that we should auction
the spectrum intended to be used for ATV service. Section
309(j) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, limits
the uses of spectrum that is subject to being auctioned.
It specifically requires that, "the principal use of such
spectrum will involve, or is reasonably likely to involve,
the licensee receiving compensation from subscribers...."
Our experience and our judgment concerning market conditions
lead us to believe that the broadcasters would use this
spectrum for free over-the-air broadcast service; therefore,
it cannot be auctioned under Section 309(j). For this
reason, as well as those set forth above, we reiterate
our previous decision to limit initial eligibility to existing
licensees. Commenters may address whether any changed
circumstances should alter this conclusion.
32. Finally, given our decision not to allocate additional
spectrum for television broadcasting, the number of transition
channels is limited. Therefore, we also solicit comment
on granting eligibility status to those broadcasters that
are in bankruptcy, off-the-air, have construction permits
or are otherwise non-operational, or otherwise incapable
of engaging in the transition to digital television. We
specifically request comment on whether the transition
channels identified for these licensees or permittees would
be better used to support service to the public if instead
they were made available to new entrants.
D. Public Interest Obligations
34. Request for Comment. We remain committed to enforcing
our statutory mandate to ensure that broadcasters serve
the public interest. Our current public interest rules,
including those implementing specific statutory requirements,
were developed for broadcasters essentially limited by
technology to a single, analog video programming service.
The potential for more flexible and dynamic use of the
advanced television channel than what broadcasters currently
enjoy gives rise to important questions about the nature
of public interest obligations in the digital broadcasting
world. We request comment on how the conversion to digital
broadcasting should affect broadcasters' obligation to
serve the public interest.
35. Our future rules may allow broadcasters to use their
advanced television channels to provide a high definition
television service, multiple standard definition television
services and perhaps other services, some of which may
be on a subscription basis. Should a licensee's public
interest obligations depend on the nature of the services
it chooses to provide and, if that is the case, how so?
For example, if a broadcaster chooses to provide multiple
standard definition services, should public interest obligations
attach to each one? What if one or more of those services
are provided on a subscription basis? Alternatively, should
public interest obligations be seen as attaching not to
services but to licensees, each of whom would be required
to operate the facilities associated with its 6 MHz ATV
channel in the public interest? We note that attaching
a public interest requirement on one type of "service"
could skew broadcaster investment away from providing that
service -- a situation that could potentially result in
a net public interest loss. Commenters are requested to
discuss whether, if Congress grants the Commission the
requisite authority, we should consider imposing spectrum
fees for that portion of the spectrum used by broadcasters
to provide subscription services. We note that the use
of spectrum fees may allow the Commission to establish
a regulatory framework that does not discourage broadcasters
from providing free over-the-air channels or other services
to which public interest obligations might attach. We
also invite comment on whether the conversion to digital
broadcasting justifies other changes in our public interest
framework.
36. Finally, we express our intention to continue to
apply EEO requirements on broadcasters. We ask, however,
whether there are additional means available to further
our objective of promoting diversity of viewpoints in a
digital world.
E. Transition.
1. Simulcast Requirement.
37. Previous Decision. Previously, we have expressed our belief that maintaining existing service is extremely important, and that the public interest would be served by avoiding any substantial dislocation of service to existing viewers. Accordingly, we determined that ATV licensees should simulcast on their NTSC stations the programmingoffered on their ATV stations.(n42) We preliminarily decided that, beginning one year after the six year application and construction period, ATV licensees would have to simulcast 50 percent of their ATV programming, increasing to 100 percent two years later.(n43) Additionally, we indicated that we would review this schedule at the time of our initial review of the pace of conversion at the end of the application/construction period and immediately prior to the imposition of 100 percent simulcasting.(n44)
38. Our concern was, and remains, that consumers not be prematurely deprived of the benefits of existing television equipment.(n45) We also stated that requiring simulcasting would assist us in reclaiming the analog channel as soon as possible by minimizing broadcaster and consumer reliance on the ATV and NTSC channels carrying separately programmed services.(n46) Additionally, we believed that a simulcast requirement would "give added impetus to ATV receiver penetration by eliminating the need for dual mode receivers capable of receiving both NTSC and ATV," thereby helping to lower the cost of ATV receivers, spurring increased penetration.(n47)
39. Changed Circumstances and Proposal. These decisions
were appropriate and practical at a time when it appeared
that ATV would primarily consist of the broadcast of a
single HDTV program service. However, it is apparent that
a digital TV system can be used in many other ways, including
to transmit multiple simultaneous SDTV program services.
A licensee may, for instance, utilize its ATV channel
to air four SDTV program services. Obviously, that licensee
would be unable to simulcast all four program services
on its NTSC channel. Under such circumstances, it is clear
that our simulcasting requirement must be revisited and
we must consider alternatives.
40. As stated above, the simulcasting requirement was
in large measure intended to allow consumers to avoid being
prematurely deprived of the benefits of their NTSC video
equipment. We hoped to avoid having broadcasters move
their best programs to HDTV,with the result that large
numbers of viewers that do not have HDTV equipment would
lose much of the value of broadcast television service.
At the present time, this no longer appears to be a likely
prospect. We do not foresee broadcasters taking their
best programming off of their NTSC stations and putting
it on HDTV where potential audiences will, at first, be
small. Similarly, we do not see broadcasters moving their
best programming off of NTSC and on to ATV early in the
conversion process. We believe that, instead, the market
will continue to serve consumer demand by assuring the
continued presence of good programming on NTSC channels.
However, we still perceive a need for a simulcast requirement,
albeit different from that first envisioned.
41. Some number of consumers, unaware of the transition to digital television or unable to afford replacement equipment, may continue viewing analog television throughout the transition period. At the end of the transition period, we may be confronted with the choice of either terminating analog service, causing such viewers to lose their only source of free broadcast service, or, alternatively, allowing analog broadcasting to continue, thereby depriving the broad general public of the benefits that we believe are to be found from the recovery of one of the channels. We wish to avoid either alternative and believe that a simulcasting requirement may be useful in speeding the migration of these consumers from analog to digital broadcasting. Accordingly, we propose to require the simulcast of all material being broadcast on the licensee's NTSC station (with the exception of commercials and promotions)(n48) on a program service of the ATV channel. If a program is available only on the analog service, then all viewers (those with digitally capable and analog-only sets) will need to watch it in the analog service. In a simulcast environment, the number of consumers who will lose access to a specific program service will be reduced by the number who have a digitally capable set or set top converter.(n49)
42. We ask parties to comment on this proposal, including
assessing its impact on broadcasters' ability to provide
HDTV service, and to offer other viable alternatives, keeping
in mind our goals of avoiding a reliance on NTSC service
and assuring recovery of large blocks of contiguous spectrum
at the conclusion of a speedy and smooth transition process.
We are open to suggestions and will consider any option
that does not slow the conversion to digital television.
For instance, commenters may wish to comment on whether
the simulcast requirement should be tradeable. That is,
should a licensee be permitted to purchase time on a competitor's
ATV station on which to broadcast its analog programming?
43. Also, we seek comment on the phasing in of a simulcasting
requirement. We believe that at the beginning of the transition
a broadcaster should be required to simulcastlittle or
no NTSC programming. Few viewers would have ATV receivers
at that stage. Later, as fewer consumers depend upon analog
television and ATV equipment proliferates, we tentatively
believe that the simulcasting requirement should be increased.
Commenters are invited to comment on the relevant time
periods for each phase and the amount of simulcasting that
should be required in each such phase.
2. Licensing of ATV and NTSC Stations.
44. Previous Decision. As a related issue, we must revisit
the question of whether licensees' NTSC and ATV station
licenses should be considered a single license or two separate
and distinct licenses. We previously decided to treat
the licensee as having two paired licenses.(n50) That is, each
licensee's NTSC and ATV station would receive a separate
license. Because the licenses were to be paired, however,
if a licensee's NTSC license were to be revoked or not
renewed while its ATV application was pending, the licensee
would lose its priority eligibility status. Also, if either
a licensee's NTSC or ATV license were revoked or not renewed,
the remaining license would automatically suffer the same
fate. We nonetheless indicated that we would consider
permitting a licensee to voluntarily surrender its NTSC
channel while retaining the corresponding ATV channel on
a case-by-case basis in the interest of spectrum efficiency.
45. We decided that broadcasters would be operating two distinct facilities having different characteristics and, frequently, transmitting from different locations. Treating the ATV and NTSC channels as separately licensed facilities would, we concluded, simplify enforcement and administration. However, we paired the two licenses to prevent the separate transfer of one channel of the pair because we believed that would make it impossible to recapture one of the 6 MHz channels at the end of the transition period and still leave the existing licensee with a broadcast outlet.(n51)
46. Changed Circumstances and Request for Comments.
We tentatively conclude that substantial benefits could
be obtained if, instead of licensing the NTSC and ATV facilities
separately, we authorized both under a single, unified
license. It would ease administrative burdens on the Commission
and broadcasters alike by reducing the number of applications
that would have to be filled out, filed and processed.
Licensing the two facilities under a single authorization
is also consistent with our view that the authorizations
may be issued pursuant to our broad authority under Section
316 of the Act to modify an existing license. Finally,
treating the two facilities under a single license would
retain the sound policy announced in the Second Report/Further
Notice of treating both facilities the same from the revocation/non-renewal
standpoint.(n52) We seek comment on this tentativeconclusion.
47. Commenters advocating separate licenses for the ATV
channels may wish to address whether, if NTSC and ATV licenses
were licensed separately, we should allow the sale of an
authorization for an unbuilt ATV facility. Allowing such
transfers could speed the transition to digital ATV by
putting transition spectrum into the hands of parties willing
and able to construct ATV facilities. Commenters should
be mindful, however, that even if NTSC and ATV licenses
were to be issued separately and unpaired the NTSC licensee
would have to cease its NTSC operations at the end of the
transition period. Moreover, unpairing the NTSC and ATV
licenses would raise complex issues regarding simulcast
and retransmission/must carry rights. In the event we
adopt an NTSC-ATV simulcast requirement, should the transfer
of a separated ATV license be permitted only if the programming
on the accompanying NTSC license were simulcast in digital?
F. Transition Period.
48. Previous Decision. In the Third Report/Further Notice
we made a preliminary decision to establish a transition
period that concludes 15 years from the date of adoption
of an ATV system or a final Table of ATV Allotments is
effective, whichever is later.(n53) In addition, we adopted
a schedule of periodic reviews to permit us to monitor
the progress of ATV implementation and to make any necessary
adjustments. We decided that the transition period should
not be modified without a substantial showing that the
change is in the public interest. We reiterated that we
planned to award broadcasters interim use of an additional
6 MHz channel to permit a smooth, efficient transition
to an improved technology with as much certainty and as
little inconvenience to the public and the industry as
possible. Finally, we clarified that, in general, broadcasters
who do not convert to ATV will nevertheless have to cease
broadcasting in NTSC at the end of the 15-year transition
period.
49. We stated that the establishment of a firm date for full transition to digital transmission technologies would be in the public interest because it would keep administration simple, assure progress toward freeing spectrum on a timely basis, and give affected parties the benefits of a clearly defined planning horizon.(n54) At the time, we believed that a 15-year transition period was reasonably supported by the data then available.(n55) We recognized, however, that the data upon which we were relying consisted of projections that were subject to change as more information regarding ATV was obtained. Therefore, we established a series of periodic reviews to avoid making an inflexible decision that may be overtaken by future events.(n56) We also stated that should the periodic reviews demonstratethat the transition period should be advanced, we would consider accelerating the deadline.(n57)
50. Changed Circumstances and Request for Comments.
At this juncture, there may be reasons to expect that broadcasters
will adopt ATV more rapidly than was anticipated in 1992,
when we last analyzed the transition period. The broadcast
industry, including equipment manufacturers, have been
at the forefront of developing digital technology for television.
Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) is already transmitting
with digital technologies with SDTV-type quality. Cable
systems have been aggressively evaluating and investing
in digital technology to increase programming capacity,
improve picture quality and provide new services to consumers.
Wireless cable operators have announced their interest
in using digital compression technologies to increase the
number of program streams they provide. Other new services,
such as "video dialtone," that would use digital transmission
technologies are also being initiated or planned. In this
environment, broadcasters have added incentive to convert
more rapidly in order to remain competitive.
51. Consumers will buy or rent digitally capable receivers
or set-top converters as their choice of digitally-based
video products expands. For each household which transitions
to any of the new media, including over-the-air digital,
there will be at least one less television set reliant
upon over-the-air NTSC analog transmissions. Given the
degree of competition that exists between suppliers of
electronic equipment, and expected economies of scale resulting
from the proliferation of digitally based media, we anticipate
that declining costs will translate into reduced prices
and increased sales of digital receivers and converters
to consumers.
52. We previously cautioned that broadcasters' cessation
of NTSC transmission and surrender of a 6 MHz channel would
depend on ATV becoming the prevalent medium, stemming in
part from our concern over the number of households that
might continue to rely on NTSC transmissions.(n58) As discussed
above, purchase of an ATV receiver or converter is not
the only means of ending reliance on NTSC transmission,
so projections solely of ATV receiver penetration may not
be the most accurate benchmark for deciding when broadcasters
should cease NTSC transmission and surrender a 6 MHz channel.
53. We now wish to consider whether some objective benchmark(s)
could be used to determine when broadcasters should cease
NTSC transmission. Is it possible to end the transition
period in a market by tying the transition period to some
objective benchmark(s)? If so, what benchmark(s) should
be used? The conversion could be considered complete when
the number of households that rely on NTSC has fallen to
a given percentage. We ask parties to comment on tying
the transition period and final conversion date to the
percentage of households in a market that rely on NTSC
transmission. If the final conversion date istriggered
when the number of households that rely on NTSC falls to
a given percentage, what should the threshold percentage
be that triggers the final conversion date? How would
we measure the number of households that rely on NTSC transmission
from year to year? Should we measure households or television
sets? What other objective benchmarks should we consider
in determining the transition period and the final conversion
date? To what extent should the availability of inexpensive
digital receivers and converters be used as a benchmark
in determining the length of the transition period?
54. We previously reasoned that by adopting a target
date approach we could speed the transition to digital
technologies. Are there mechanisms other than the date
certain approach that we adopted in 1992, that we could
put in place to create incentives for rapid adoption of
ATV by consumers, broadcasters, manufacturers, and others?
For example, should we consider having the transition
period end at the earlier of a date certain or attainment
of an objective benchmark? We seek information on how
broadcasters could assist consumers by providing alternate
methods of acquiring or leasing digital equipment in the
short term so that the transition costs can be reduced
and the transition schedule can be shortened. Could broadcasters
in a market cooperate in leasing converters and/or ATV
receivers to consumers? Would cooperation between broadcasters
in a market raise anti-competitive concerns? If so, how
could the cooperative arrangements of broadcasters be adapted
to reduce household reliance on NTSC transmission without
raising these concerns?
G. Recovery of Spectrum.
55. Previous Decision. In the Second Report/Further Notice, we put broadcasters on notice that when ATV becomes the prevalent medium, they will be required to surrender a 6 MHz channel and cease broadcasting in NTSC.(n59) In the Third Report/Further Notice, we reiterated that we are awarding broadcasters interim use of an additional 6 MHz channel and we clarified that broadcasters who do not convert to ATV will nevertheless have to cease broadcasting in NTSC.(n60)
56. The Commission has previously stated that interim use of an additional 6 MHz channel was necessary to permit a smooth, efficient transition to an improved technology. The rationale underlying the recovery of spectrum was the freeing of spectrum of significant value for other uses. The Commission stated that the spectrum to be used for the transition to ATV has significant value for other services and benefits and that any delay in reclaiming the reversion spectrum carries potential costs to the public.(n61)
57. Changed Circumstances and Proposal. When the
transition to digitaltechnologies is complete, we must
have some mechanism in place to recover the extra 6 MHz
channel. One option would be to continue renewing licenses
for five year periods but explicitly terminate authority
to use one of the 6 MHz channels at the end of the transition
period. If we were to adopt a "two-license" approach,
one of the two licenses could expire at the end of the
transition period. We ask parties to comment on the advantages
and disadvantages of each approach.
58. We remain committed to the recovery of spectrum.
In addition, we believe that spectrum will be of greater
value if available in large contiguous nationwide blocks.
To create contiguous blocks of spectrum following the
transition period, it may be necessary to move some digital
broadcast stations to new channels that are contiguous
with others. This would have the effect of condensing
broadcast assignments to a narrower band of spectrum without
eliminating any licenses. Today, television broadcasters
have over 400 MHz assigned to them, but NTSC technology
does not permit all of the channels to be used in the same
geographic area.(n62) We believe that the "Grand Alliance"
digital system does not have these difficulties. By moving
some digital broadcast stations, we would be able to obtain
a more spectrum-efficient arrangement by condensing broadcasting
assignments to less than 400 MHz. We believe that information
concerning spectrum recovery and moving some digital broadcast
stations to new channels should be solicited at this time
to assure the future availability of contiguous spectrum
and encourage immediate planning and investment in new
services. We request comment on our tentative plans to
create contiguous blocks of spectrum.
59. While broadcasters have been given notice that they
must surrender a 6 MHz channel after full conversion to
digital technologies, no final decisions have been made
concerning which of the two channels would be surrendered.
Allowing licensees to determine which 6 MHz channel they
would use for digital transmission and which channel they
would surrender may result in broadcasters providing digital
services on channels scattered throughout the VHF and UHF
broadcast band. Allowing this would inhibit the formation
of large contiguous blocks of spectrum. To minimize the
number of digital broadcast stations that may need to be
moved to new channels to facilitate the creation of large
contiguous blocks of VHF and/or UHF spectrum, it will likely
be necessary for us, not the licensee, to determine which
6 MHz channel the broadcaster must use for digital transmission
and which channel must be surrendered. Also, we believe
that by making these decisions early we can aid broadcasters
in their investment decisions.
60. In order to create the maximum amount of contiguous spectrum following the transition period, it may be necessary to move some digital broadcast stations to new channels. We recognize that there are costs associated with moving stations to new channels. We request comment on the benefits and costs of moving stations to new channels. We also seek comment on how to minimize the costs of moving stations to new channels. Finally, we ask parties to comment on whether each broadcaster should pay for its own move,whether all broadcasters should pay for the costs of relocation, or whether the licensee that bumps the broadcaster should pay to move the broadcaster, as was done in the emerging technologies band for PCS.(n63)
H. Length of Application/Construction Period.
61. Previous Decision. In the Third Report/Further Notice we made a preliminary decision concerning the application and construction period that affected the length of the transition period. We granted existing broadcasters three years from the effective date of ATV system selection or an ATV Allotment Table, whichever is later, in which they exclusively may apply for a preferred or "set-aside" ATV channel,(n64) and a total of six years to both apply for and construct an ATV facility.(n65)
62. We previously stated that such factors as the
time needed to raise the necessary capital to invest in
ATV technology, to plan for the creation of a new station,
including, in some cases, having to locate a new transmitter
site, and to allow ATV equipment to become available, required
that we establish these application and construction periods.
63. Proposal. We propose to establish a procedure by
which broadcasters have six months in which to make an
election and confirm to the Commission that they want an
ATV license. After that, they would have the remainder
of the three-year period in which to supply supporting
data as we may require. If they elect not to construct
an ATV facility, or elect to construct but do not proceed
to do so, their NTSC licenses will expire at the end of
the ATV conversion period and they will have to cease broadcasting.
This process would have the benefit of identifying early
on locations where existing broadcasters do not want to
transition to ATV and where applications from new entrants
for ATV stations could therefore be considered.
64. We ask that commenters address all aspects of the
construction period. Is the current six-year period appropriate,
too long, or is it insufficient? We believe that the
exclusive eligibility period can be shortened, primarily
by requiring licensees to make an election within the first
six months after the adoption of an ATV standard or final
Table of Allocations, whichever is later, as to whether
to convert.(n66) This should not place an undueburden on licensees.
Broadcasters have now been on notice for a number of years
of the general direction in which we are moving toward
digital television and some, we understand, have begun
planning in earnest for the transition. Moreover, much
digital broadcasting equipment has been developed and demonstrated.
Commenters should provide information on their ability
to apply for and construct ATV facilities and discuss the
difficulties they would have in meeting a shorter time
frame.
65. Nevertheless, we are mindful of the difficulties
to be encountered by television broadcasters converting
to ATV. Sources of financing may be limited and their
willingness to support the conversion is unknown. For
some stations tower sites may need to be found, leases
negotiated and towers built. Equipment will have to be
purchased and installed, and the capacity of industry to
supply over 1500 broadcasters(n67) with new equipment, from
cameras to transmitters to antennas, all within the same
time frame is not currently known. Given the different
aspect ratio for ATV as opposed to NTSC, new studio sets
may have to be designed and constructed in order for stations
to originate programming. We fully appreciate that this
transition will not be an easy task. Accordingly, we request
comment on the practical difficulties licensees will have
in successfully undertaking the conversion and on proposed
solutions.
I. Small Markets
67. Changed Circumstances and Request for Comments.
We now seek comment on whether we should reconsider this
decision, and if so, on what type of relief should be provided
from the six year deadline and to whom? For example, should
there be a general extension of the deadline for a certain
class of stations? If so, for how long and to whom? Should
it be to stations that make a showing of financial hardship
and if so how would that be defined? Should there be a
different rule for small markets? What about stations
serving economically disadvantaged areas? How should "small
markets" or "economically disadvantaged areas" be defined?
Commenters should address whether such a general extension
would result in slowing the implementation of advanced
television in these markets.
68. We also seek comment on whether a waiver would be
an appropriate way to address the issues of stations who
can not afford to make the transition to digital. If commenters
believe a waiver would be an appropriate mechanism, they
should specify what factors the Commission should consider
in granting such a waiver. They should also address ways
to reduce the administrative burden of such a waiver process
on the Commission and on licensees.
69. Finally, we seek comment on an alternative proposal
which would allow the Commission to automatically extend
the deadline for a licensee that has not built after the
six-year period if no one else files for the ATV license.
If, at the end of the six-year period, another party applies
to construct the unbuilt ATV facility, should we permit
the incumbent broadcaster to retain its preferential status
if it makes a sufficient showing in this regard? Such
a policy would recognize that in some markets economic
factors may not support all of the stations introducing
digital broadcast within the six-year time frame. If,
however, there is a new entrant who can provide service
immediately, then the public might be better served by
the immediate initiation of service.
J. Noncommercial Stations.
70. Previous Decision. In the Third Report/Further Notice we sought comment on whether some additional measures of relief or further action should be taken on behalf of noncommercial stations with respect to the presumptive six-year application/construction deadline.(n71) We indicated that we would consider a wide array of alternatives to mitigate theproblems faced by noncommercial broadcasters.(n72)
71. Comments. Commenters addressing the difficulties
of noncommercial broadcasters in converting to digital
television chiefly seek relief with respect to the financial
qualifications that they would have to demonstrate. The
Association of America's Public Television Stations, Corporation
for Public Broadcasting, and Public Broadcasting Service
("Public Television") argue that, because of funding constraints,(n73)
it will take substantially longer than three,(n74) or even six
years, for public stations to be able to obtain necessary
funds to convert to ATV.(n75) Public Television asks that noncommercial
educational stations be allowed to file ATV applications
without certifying or demonstrating financial qualifications
on the filing date. Rather, it believes such licensees
should be given three years after the filing of an ATV
application to demonstrate, with a business plan, how they
will raise matching funds and that public broadcasters
should not have to make any showing with respect to having
sufficient access to funds to meet their operating costs
in the first 90 days of operation. Public Television asks
that we accept no competing applications while that application
is being processed. In this way, public broadcasters would
be able to timely file and avoid the possibility of being
able to obtain only a short-spaced UHF channel, a VHF transition
channel, or no channel at all.
72. The National Association of College Broadcasters
("NACB") asks that the Commission reserve ATV channels
in the same proportion as they are reserved on NTSC. Arizona
State also urges that each vacant noncommercial allocation
be kept in reserve for future public ATV use.(n76) Both NACB
and Arizona State ask that we provide noncommercial educational
television stations with additional time in which to apply
for, and construct ATV facilities.
73. Proposal and Request for Comments. It is clear from
the comments that noncommercial licensees will face unique
problems in their transition to ATV. These problems are
chiefly in the area of funding, where noncommercial broadcasters
appear to be subject to the vagaries of forces and parties
beyond their control. Indeed, historically, we have recognized
"that in making our statutory findings as to financial
qualifications, greaterleeway must be accorded the educational
station because of its very nature." NTA Television Broadcasting
Corp., 44 FCC 2563, 2574 (1961). (Citation omitted.)
Thus, even though at the time of the NTA decision we required
a "stringent" financial showing of commercial applicants,
we found that for noncommercial applicants the public interest
required only a showing that assurance of financial wherewithal
to build and operate the station was "reasonable." Id.
at 2574. To do otherwise, we said, "would preclude - unnecessarily
and against the public interest - many worthwhile educational
television endeavors." Id.
75. A second problem that noncommercial broadcasters
commented on was the length of the application/construction
period. Both Arizona State and NACB express the belief
that a six-year period is insufficient for noncommercial
broadcasters. We have previously expressed our belief
that to provide different schedules for commercial and
noncommercial broadcasters would not be conducive to the
goal of a speedy and smooth transition. It is still our
preference to establish a firm transition schedule, but
with the safeguard of having that schedule subject to periodic
review. Additionally, unique problems can be dealt with
on a case-by-case basis. We believe this may be preferable
to establishing two separate classes of broadcasters, each
with its own schedule, causing confusion to the public
and additional administrative burdens to the Commission.
76. Additionally, commenters should address other things
that the Commission can do to assist them in their conversion
to ATV. For instance, the broadcast of "advertisements"
is currently prohibited by Section 399B of the Communications
Act. Commenters may want to address whether this should
be viewed as applying only to one program service or, if
to all program services broadcast by noncommercial broadcasters,
whether it would be desirable for the Commission to seek
legislative alteration of this prohibition. We also ask
commenters to discuss whether the transition to digital
by noncommercial broadcasters might be facilitated through
re-defining what "noncommercial" means. If the Commission
mandated only that the minimum required broadcast programming
must be "noncommercial," would it be possible for noncommercial
broadcasters to finance the transition through commercial
and flexible uses of the spectrum that would not interfere
with the noncommercial broadcast stream? Is there other
relief that we can grant noncommercial broadcasters to
minimize restrictions on their operations and allow them
greater flexibility?
K. All-Channel Receiver Issues.
77. Previous Decision. Traditionally, we have not regulated broadcast receivers except insofar as they incidentally radiate energy.(n78) In 1962, Congress adopted the All Channel Receiver Act, which authorizes us to require that television receivers "be capable of adequately receiving all frequencies allocated by the Commission to television broadcasting."(n79) Pursuant to this authority we required that all TV receivers be capable of UHF channel reception and adopted standards to make reception of UHF channels comparable with reception of VHF channels.(n80) We previously determined in this proceeding that the All Channel Receiver Act does not mandate the manufacture of dual-mode (ATV and NTSC) receivers. We expressed concern that such a requirement might overly or prematurely burden consumers, and sought comment on whether there is any need to require that manufacturers produce receivers capable of both NTSC and ATV reception during the period prior to full conversion to ATV.(n81)
78. Changed Circumstances and Request for Comments.
With ATV now considered to include both HDTV and SDTV,
we request comment on whether SDTV receivers should be
required to have the ability to receive an HDTV signal
or vice versa, and whether we should regulate how such
a signal must be displayed. We understand that companies
are working on receiver designs that would display the
Grand Alliance HDTV signal as a lower resolution SDTV picture.
Such a conversion could result in relatively inexpensive
receivers or converter boxes for NTSC receivers, compared
with the projected HDTV receiver costs. We seek comment
on whether permitting the manufacture and sale of receivers
that display only NTSC, SDTV, or HDTV signals, or a combination
of two but not all three, would beconsistent with the All
Channel Receiver Act or otherwise would be in the public
interest. Should we require that, during the transition
period, all sets be capable of receiving and displaying
NTSC and SDTV signals? Should we require "all-format"
receivers capable of receiving and displaying NTSC, SDTV
and HDTV signals, and, if so, how should we require HDTV
signals to be displayed, in a true HDTV fashion or as a
lower resolution SDTV picture? What impact should a decision
not to require HDTV broadcasting have on whether we should
require all receivers to have HDTV reception and display
capabilities? Should a decision on one be coupled with
the other? What impact should a decision to adopt only
minimal broadcast SDTV requirements have on this question?
Would limiting the sale of NTSC equipment help consumers
by assuring that they do not purchase equipment that will
soon be obsolete, or harm them by, for example, depriving
them of access to equipment they may need to obtain the
benefit of other video equipment they have, such as VCRs?
If we permit the sale of NTSC equipment, should we require
a visible label warning that, as of a date certain, it
will no longer be able to provide over-the-air broadcast
reception? Or, if we permit the sale of NTSC equipment
after the specified date, should we require that the sale
of such equipment be accompanied by the provision of or
ability to use a digital converter? We believe that the
All Channel Receiver Act provides us with adequate authority
to address these issues. We ask for comment on how we
should exercise it.
L. Must Carry and Retransmission Consent
80. Under the mandatory carriage provisions, cable operators, subject to certain capacity based limitations, are generally required to carry the signals of local television stations on their cable systems.(n83) Systems with more than 12 usable activated channels mustcarry the signals of local commercial television stations, "up to one-third of the aggregate number of usable activated channels of such system[s]."(n84) In addition, cable systems are obliged to carry local noncommercial educational television stations according to a different formula, based upon a system's number of usable activated channels. These statutory requirements are reflected in Section 76.56 of the Commission's Rules.(n85)
81. Section 614(b)(4)(B) of the Act requires that, at
the time we prescribe standards for advanced television,
we "initiate a proceeding to establish any changes in the
signal carriage requirements of cable television systems
necessary to ensure cable carriage of such broadcast signals
of local commercial television stations which have been
changed to conform with such ... standards." While we
have not yet prescribed standards for advanced television,
in the sense of having defined or determined final standards,
we believe it timely to begin our consideration of must-carry
obligations at this point.
82. Request for Comment. Clearly, during the transition
period, at least the station's NTSC channel will be subject
to must carry obligations. During the transition period,
when, under our original plan, the NTSC channel would have
been carrying 100% of the HDTV programming being aired
on the conversion channel, there did not appear to be a
must-carry problem because, as long as the two were carrying
duplicative programming, the NTSC and commonly owned HDTV
stations would not both have had to have been carried.(n86)
But, if we change the simulcast requirement, programming
on the NTSC and ATV channels might not be duplicative,
and both might qualify for carriage. Additional issues
are raised if the conversion channel is being used for
the transmission of multiple SDTV program services. Ifcarriage
of all material being broadcast by the station were required,
the dedication of, for instance, five cable channels (one
for the NTSC programming and, for example, four multicast
programs being offered on the conversion channel) might
be required. Thus, a review of the must carry and retransmission
consent rules now is an important component of this proceeding.
In addition, it is necessary to clearly identify any issues
regarding cable carriage that need to be factored into
the ATV transitional rules, technical standards, and regulatory
policies in order to facilitate the most productive possible
interaction between ATV broadcasting and cable television
service.
83. We seek comment on any relevant differences in rules
or policies that might be needed both during the transition
and as a consequence of ATV having replaced NTSC broadcasting.
For instance, how should channel capacity be defined in
a digital environment, i.e., in terms of channels, bandwidth,
or bits of data per second? Does "on-channel" carriage
have the same meaning in a digital as it does in an analog
environment? Should "substantially duplicates" include
duplication of programming in different transmission formats?
Will changes in station coverage require changes in carriage
obligations? Additionally, what is the meaning of "primary
video" in the context of digital broadcast transmission?(n87)
Is there an appropriate parallel to line 21 of the vertical
blanking interval of NTSC stations for ATV stations? What,
if any, flexibility does the Commission have under Section
614(b)(4)(B) to modify requirements applied by the Communications
Act to NTSC signals in the new digital environment? For
example, does the Commission have authority to address
"A/B" switch issues to enhance subscriber access to signals
or portions of signals that may not receive carriage notwithstanding
the existing prohibition? Is a revised definition of "basic
tier" needed? Is a common retransmission/must carry election
required for all of the video programming from an individual
broadcast licensee in a market or just for one "primary
video" stream, as defined by the broadcast licensee? In
the more flexible broadcast environment associated with
digital transmission would changes be needed in the rules
that mandate that local signals be carried in their entirety
even if carried under the retransmission consent option?(n88)
Are there other issues relating to the retransmission
consent process that would need to be addressed?
84. A second set of issues relates to the technical interface
and associated cost and rate issues. We expect that there
will be parallel development of both cable and broadcast
digital video communications. At the same time, it is
inevitable that particular cable systems and particular
broadcast markets will progress on different time schedules.
Accordingly, issues will arise as to how digital broadcasts
may be carried on cable systems that are still entirely
analog in their operations, are partially analog and partially
digital, or that are entirely digital. With respect to
each type of operation there are potential issues relating
to headend equipment, transmission plant, subscriber premises
equipment, and type of digital transmission system that
may arise. Accordingly, we seek information on what technical
modifications may be needed to enable cable systems to
deliver ATV signals to subscribers and what costs may be
associated with these modifications. How should digital
broadcast programming be required to be carried? Should
it be required to be carried digitally or would it be adequate
to have it carried in whatever format the cable operator
selects? Does "material degradation" in the statute require
that HDTV signals be carried in an HDTV format? Further,
we need to begin to consider and seek comment on what,
if any, changes may be warranted in the rate regulation
process, in the technical standards, or in other rules
to account for the changes resulting from ATV carriage.
85. Assuming that an appropriate set of rules can
be developed for application at the end of the transition
period, an interim process is still needed to govern the
transition from NTSC to ATV broadcasting. During the period
when broadcast licensees are broadcasting in both the existing
NTSC analog mode and in the new ATV mode, what should the
carriage obligations be? Must both signals be carried
and if not should the change from NTSC to the ATV signals
be at the discretion of the cable operator or the broadcaster?
Alternatively, should it be based on a fixed transition
schedule or on an external event such as the market penetration
of digital television receivers or the system operator's
transmission of its own digital video programming? Given
the complex economic and technical interrelationships between
broadcasters and cable operators during this transitional
period, are there market mechanisms that can be incorporated
into the rules to facilitate cooperation?
87. Today, TV broadcasters have over 400 MHz assigned
to them, but because of interference and market forces,
on average only 80 MHz is used per market. In the top
markets, around 120 MHz is used. Digital broadcasting
will allow much more efficient and intensive use of this
spectrum. During the transition period, however, digital
TV stations must operate alongside NTSC stations. The
digital TV system will enable us to authorize these stations
under controlled circumstances (each channel will be available
only at certain locations with limits on radiated power
and effective antenna height) to minimize interference
to NTSC and digital TV service. While these digital stations
allow for the development of many new broadcast services,
they would be of limited value for other users because
they generally would not occupy a contiguous block of channels,
there would be no common nationwide channels, and their
use would be restricted by the need to avoid interference
with NTSC analog television sets. When the transition
to digital is completed, however, and the analog NTSC stations
are turned off, we have an opportunity to create contiguous
blocks of spectrum nationwide. Some or all of this spectrum
could be reallocated and auctioned. We ask commenters
to provide estimates of the total amount of contiguous
spectrum blocks that could be created following recovery
of the NTSC channels. We also seek estimates of the total
market value of these contiguous blocks of spectrum. What
services would be most efficiently provided using contiguous
blocks of spectrum? We request that commenters explain
the methodology and analysis used to derive estimates of
the amount and value of contiguous spectrum. In addition
to the broadcast industry, we solicit comment from other
industries (e.g., land mobile and computer) that may have
an interest in providing services using these blocks of
spectrum.
90. This is a non-restricted notice and comment rulemaking
proceeding. Ex parte presentations are permitted, except
during the Sunshine Agenda period, provided they are disclosed
as provided in the Commission Rules. See generally 47
C.F.R. Sections 1.1202, 1.1203, and 1.1206(a).
The Commission seeks comment not only on a variety of
new issues central to the development of advanced television
service in the United States, but on several of the tentative
decisions made earlier in this proceeding because of the
rapidly changing nature of digital television. Advanced
television, at the time this proceeding was initiated was
envisioned primarily as a system for improving higher picture
and sound quality, limited to transmitting/receiving a
single channel of television. The emergence of digital
technology with its extensive flexibility and the approach
of the National Information Infrastructure require that
the Commission review the issues surrounding high definition
television from a new, more expansive perspective.
II. Objectives of the Action
The Fourth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking portion
of this decision solicits comment on a variety of issues,
several of which are being revisited, in order to establish
an accurate, comprehensive, reliable record on which to
base the Commission's ultimate decisions in this proceeding.
The record established from comments filed in response
to this decision, as well as other Commission decisions,
and the combined efforts of the Commission, the affected
industries, the Advisory Committee on Advanced Television
Service, and the ATV testing process, will lead to implementation
of ATV in the most harmonious fashion and to selection
of the most desirable ATV system.
III. Legal Basis
Authority for this action may be found at 47 U.S.C. §§154
and 303.
IV. Reporting, recordkeeping and other compliance requirements
Such requirements are not proposed in this phase of the
proceeding, but may be raised and comment sought in future
decisions in this proceeding.
V. Federal rules which overlap, duplicate or conflict with
these rules.
There are no rules which would overlap, duplicate, or
conflict with these rules.
VI. Description, potential impact and number of small entities
involved.
There are approximately 1,539 UHF and VHF, commercial
and educational television stations, 2,509 UHF translator
stations, 2,261 VHF translator stations, and 1,648 UHF
and VHF low power television stations which would be affected
by decisions reached in this proceeding. The impact of
actions taken in this proceeding on small entities would
ultimately depend on the final decisions taken by the Commission.
However, the Commission, in taking future action will
continue to balance the need to provide the public with
affordable, flexible, accessible high definition television
service with the economic and administrative interests
of the affected industries.
VII. Any significant alternatives minimizing the impact
on small entities consistent with stated objectives.
In re-examining issues discussed in past decisions, the
Commission is seeking not only to establish a more comprehensive,
reliable record, but, with that intent, is soliciting comments
and suggestions that hopefully will represent the views
of all of the industries concerned, and thus the Commission
will be better able to minimize whatever negative impact
might face small entities as a result of our decisions.
Ordering Clause
92. Additional Information: For additional information
regarding this proceeding, contact Saul Shapiro (202-418-2600)
or Roger Holberg (202-776-1653), Mass Media Bureau.
93. As required by Section 603 of the Regulatory Flexibility
Act, the Commission has prepared an Initial Regulatory
Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) of the expected impact on small
entities of the proposals suggested in this document.
The IRFA is set forth above. Written public comments are
requested on the IRFA. These comments must be filed in
accordance with the same filing deadlines as comments on
the rest of the Notice, but theymust have a separate and
distinct heading designating them as responses to the Initial
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis. The Secretary shall send
a copy of this Fourth Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making
and Third Notice of Inquiry, including the Initial Regulatory
Flexibility Analysis, to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy
of the Small Business Administration in accordance with
paragraph 603(a) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Pub.
L. No. 96-354, 94 Stat. 1164, 5 U.S.C. Section 601 et seq
(1981).
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
William F. Caton
Acting Secretary
I. INTRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 II. BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY A. Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 B. Technological Developments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 III. ISSUES A. Spectrum Issues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 B. Definition of Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 C. Eligibility Issues.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 D. Public Interest Obligations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 E. Transition. 1. Simulcast Requirement.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 2. Licensing of ATV and NTSC Stations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 F. Transition Period. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 G. Recovery of Spectrum.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 H. Length of Application/Construction Period. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 I. Small Markets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 J. Noncommercial Stations.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 K. All-Channel Receiver Issues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 L. Must Carry and Retransmission Consent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 V. THIRD NOTICE OF INQUIRY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 VI. CONCLUSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 I. Reason for Action II. Objectives of the Action III. Legal Basis IV. Reporting, recordkeeping and other compliance requirements V. Federal rules which overlap, duplicate or conflict with these rules. VI. Description, potential impact and number of small entities involved. VII. Any significant alternatives minimizing the impact on small entities consistent with stated objectives.
Footnote 1 Advanced Television ("ATV") refers to any television technology that provides improved audio and video quality or enhances the current NTSC television system. Memorandum Opinion and Order/Third Report and Order/Third Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making in MM Docket No. 87-268, 7 FCC Rcd 6924, 6925 n. 1 (1992). ("Third Report/Further Notice").
Footnote 2 High Definition Television offers approximately twice the vertical and horizontal resolution of NTSC, which is a picture quality approaching 35 millimeter film, and has sound quality approaching that of a compact disc.
Footnote 3 "NTSC" is the current, analog television system, named for the National Television System Committee, an industry group that developed the monochrome television standard in 1940-1941 and the color television standard in 1950-1953.
Footnote 4 Standard Definition Television ("SDTV") is a digital television system in which picture quality is approximately equivalent to the current NTSC television system.
Footnote 5 Notice of Inquiry in MM Docket No. 87-268, 2 FCC Rcd 5125, 5127 (1987) ("First Inquiry").
Footnote 6 The Advisory Committee, chaired by former FCC Chairman Richard Wiley, consists of a twenty-five member parent committee, a Steering Committee, and three Subcommittees.
Footnote 7 First Report and Order in MM Docket No. 87-268 ("First Order"), 5 FCC Rcd 5627 (1990).
Footnote 8 First Inquiry, supra. See also Tentative Decision and Further Notice of Inquiry in MM Docket No. 87-268, 3 FCC Rcd 6520 (1988) ("Second Inquiry"); First Order, supra; Notice of Proposed Rule Making in MM Docket No. 87-268, 6 FCC Rcd 7024 (1991) ("Notice"); Second Report and Order/Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making in MM Docket No. 87-268, 7 FCC Rcd 3340 (1992) ("Second Report/Further Notice"); Second Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making in MM Docket No. 87-268, 7 FCC Rcd 5376 (1992) ("Second Further Notice"); Third Report/Further Notice, supra.
Footnote 9 Third Report/Further Notice, supra at 6926; see also First Order, supra at 5627-29.
Footnote 10 Third Report/Further Notice, supra at 6980.
Footnote 11 Id. at 6981.
Footnote 12 Id. at 6981.
Footnote 13 ATV System Recommendation of the FCC Advisory Committee on Advanced Television Service (February 24, 1993) ("ATV System Recommendation").
Footnote 14 The members of the Grand Alliance are AT&T, General Instrument Corporation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Philips Electronics North America Corporation, Thomson Consumer Electronics, The David Sarnoff Research Center, and Zenith Electronics Corporation.
Footnote 15 In March of this year, the Grand Alliance completed construction of its prototype system and delivered it to the Advanced Television Test Center for testing by the Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee expects to submit to us its final recommendation on the ATV standard later this year.
Footnote 16 ATSC was formed by the member organizations of the Joint Committee on InterSociety Coordination ("JCIC") for the purpose of exploring the need for and, where appropriate, to coordinate development of the documentation of ATV systems. The JCIC is composed of the Electronic Industries Association, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the National Association of Broadcasters, the National Cable Television Association, and the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers.
Footnote 17 ISO/IEC IS 13818-1, International Standard (1994), MPEG-2 Systems and ISO/IEC IS 13818-2, International Standard (1994), MPEG-2 Video. ISO/IEC is the International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission.
Footnote 18 See ATV System Recommendation, supra at 4-4, 8-11 and Glossary.
Footnote 19 "Report on the Workshop on Advanced Digital Video in the National Information Infrastructure," NISTIR 5457, U.S. Department of Commerce, Technology Administration, National Institute of Standards and Technology, July, 1994.
Footnote 20 See Second Inquiry, supra at 6521.
Footnote 21 See generally Second Report/Further Notice, supra at 3353-55.
Footnote 22 First Order, supra at 5628. Although commenting parties proposed different spectrum requirements ranging from 6 MHz to 12 MHz per station, we tentatively concluded that "systems requiring more than 6 MHz to broadcast a noncompatible signal...will not be authorized for terrestrial broadcast service." Second Inquiry, supra at 6521.
Footnote 23 We note that, under our current rules, a licensee may provide video programming primarily on a subscription basis. We also note pending legislative proposals that contemplate granting us the authority to require licensees to pay annual spectrum fees wherelicensees charge the public for the new services provided on the conversion channels. We will publish a Public Notice or other appropriate document with respect to the effect on our ATV decisions of any relevant law enacted.
Footnote 24 Later, in the Third Report/Further Notice, the Commission established that, in the event of a spectrum shortfall, eligible parties would be ranked in the following order: 1) licensees and permittees with constructed facilities having program test authority; 2) other permittees; and 3) all parties with an application for a construction permit pending as of October 24, 1991. In the event that we were not able to accommodate all eligible existing broadcasters with an ATV channel, there are other options, such as switching directly to ATV service at some point during or at the end of the transition period without first requiring a period of operation by the broadcaster of both an NTSC and an ATV facility. We will address this issue in the context of our subsequent Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making on the ATV Table of Allotments.
Footnote 25 Second Report/Further Notice, supra at 3343.
Footnote 26 Id. at 3342.
Footnote 27 Id. at 3343.
Footnote 28 Id. For instance, a digital TV signal will provide viewers with the same video quality throughout the digital TV station's service area. This is different from today's analog TV transmissions, where the video quality normally is degraded for viewers located farther from the transmitter, near the edge of the service area.
Footnote 30 There is ample precedent for our reallocation of spectrum in the public interest, even where such reallocation results in displacement of current users of the spectrum, and it is clear that we have broad discretion to do so. Indeed, the Court of Appeals has recognized our broad discretion to make spectrum allocation and reallocation decisions. NARUC v. FCC, 525 F.2d 630, 636 (D.C. Cir. 1976), cert. denied, 425 U.S. 992 (1976). See NAB v. FCC, 740 F. 2d 1190, 1209-10 (D.C. Cir. 1984). (FCC has authority to prefer one service over another); WLVA, Inc. v. FCC, 459 F. 2d 1286, 1303 (D.C. Cir. 1972) (it is for the Commission, not the Courts, to pass on a channel allocation scheme); Coastal Bend Television Co. v. FCC, 234 F. 2d 686, 690 (D. C. Cir. 1956) (same). We have, in a number of contexts, moved users of spectrum to different bands.
Footnote 31 The Court of Appeals has held that Ashbacker applies only to parties whose applications have been declared mutually exclusive and does not apply to "prospective applicants." Reuters Ltd. v. FCC, 781 F.2d 946, 951 (D.C. Cir. 1986). No Ashbacker rights would be triggered because we are defining the category of eligible applicants rather than rejecting one bona fide applicant without comparing it to the others.
Footnote 32 351 U.S. 192 (1956).
Footnote 33 In Storer, the Court held that the Commission's promulgation of rules limiting eligibility to apply for a broadcast license does not violate the applicant's right to a hearing. Accord, Aeronautical Radio, Inc. v. FCC, 928 F.2d 428, 439 (D.C. Cir. 1991) (the Commission may reject, without a hearing, applications that do not meet valid eligibility requirements). Indeed, in a number of other contexts we have concluded that we are not precluded by Ashbacker from establishing initial eligibility criteria in the public interest. See Notice of Proposed Rule Making in PR Docket No. 93-144, 8 FCC Rcd 3950, 3955 & n. 46 ( 1993); Amendment of the Commission's Rules to Permit FM Channel and Class Modifications by Application, 8 FCC Rcd 4735, 4738-39 (1993).
Footnote 34 Section 316 does not require us to accept petitions to deny an application filed as a result of a proposed modification, but it does require us to consider protests filed by other licensees or permittees who believe their own licenses or permits would be modified by the Section 316 modification. See 47 U.S.C. § 316(a)(3).
Footnote 35 47 U.S.C. § 307(c). See also id. § 307(a).
Footnote 36 See En Banc Programming Inquiry, 44 FCC 2303, 2312 (1960). Toward that end, broadcasters are required to maintain lists of programs aired addressing community issues. 47 C.F.R. ¶¶ 73.3526(a)(8) & (9). Service to the community of license is also considered in determining whether a broadcaster's license should be renewed. See, e.g., Cowles Broadcasting, Inc., 86 FCC 2d 993 (1981), aff'd sub nom. Central Florida Enterprises, Inc. v. FCC, 683 F.2d 503 (D.C. Cir. 1982). In 1984, the Commission eliminated quantitative guidelines under which uncontested renewal applications demonstrating less than 10 percent non-entertainment programming could not be routinely processed by staff. Revision of Programming and Commercialization Policies, Ascertainment Requirements, and Program Log Requirements for Commercial Television Stations, Report and Order, 98 FCC 2d 1076 (1984).
Footnote 37 47 U.S.C. § 303(b), 47 C.F.R. § 73.671. We recently issued a Notice of Proposed Rule Making requesting comment on a number of proposals to amend our rules implementing the Children's Television Act of 1990. Notice of Proposed Rule Making in MM Docket No. 93-48, FCC 95-143 (released April 7, 1995). We will incorporate relevant comments filed in MM Docket No. 93-48 into the record of this proceeding.
Footnote 38 47 U.S.C. § 312(a)(7); 47 C.F.R. § 73.1944 (reasonable access); 47 U.S.C. § 315; 47 C.F.R. § 73.1941 (equal opportunities). See also 47 C.F.R. § 73.1920 (personal attack rule); 47 C.F.R. § 73.1930 (right to reply).
Footnote 39 18 U.S.C. § 1464; 47 U.S.C. § 303; 47 C.F.R. § 73.3999. The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit recently upheld a ban on the broadcasting of indecent programs between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. See Action for Children's Television v. FCC, No. 93-1092 (D.C. Cir. June 30, 1995).
Footnote 40 47 C.F.R. § 73.2080.
Footnote 41 Second Report/Further Notice, supra at 3342.
Footnote 42 We defined simulcasting as the broadcast on the NTSC channel of the same basic material broadcast on the ATV channel, excluding commercials and promotions, within 24-hours. Id. at 6978.
Footnote 43 See Second Report/Further Notice, supra at 3355, 3357; see also Third Report/Further Notice, supra at 6970-71.
Footnote 44 Id. at 6971.
Footnote 45 Second Report/Further Notice, supra at 3355; Third Report/Further Notice, supra at 6970-72.
Footnote 46 Id. at 3356.
Footnote 47 Id. at 3356.
Footnote 48 As indicated above, both commercial and promotional material were specifically excluded from our original definition of what must be simulcast.
Footnote 49 In the "All-Channel Receiver Issues" section, infra, we discuss all-channel receiver issues that could possibly minimize or potentially eliminate this potential problem.
Footnote 50 Second Report/Further Notice, supra at 3344.
Footnote 51 Second Report/Further Notice, supra at 3344.
Footnote 52 Second Report/Further Notice, supra at 3344.
Footnote 53 Second Report/Further Notice, supra at 3353-54.
Footnote 54 Second Report/Further Notice, supra at 3353.
Footnote 55 Third Report/Further Notice, supra at 6964.
Footnote 56 Id. at 6964-65.
Footnote 57 Id. at 6968.
Footnote 58 Second Report/Further Notice, supra at 3353.
Footnote 59 Second Report/Further Notice, supra at 3353.
Footnote 60 Third Report/Further Notice, supra at 6967.
Footnote 61 Second Report/Further Notice, supra at 3354.
Footnote 62 See First Inquiry, 2 FCC Rcd at 5132-34.
Footnote 63 See Third Report and Order and Memorandum Opinion and Order in ET Docket No. 92-9, 8 FCC Rcd 6589 (1993).
Footnote 64 Second Report/Further Notice, supra at 3346; Third Report/Further Notice, supra at 6937-40. Other parties would also be able to apply for ATV facilities if they were to find a new allotment and get the Table of Allotments amended accordingly.
Footnote 65 Third Report/Further Order, supra at 6938-39.
Footnote 66 See, "Length of Application/Construction Period," supra.
Footnote 67 As of May 31, 1995, there were 1539 full service television stations licensed. "Broadcast Station Totals as of May 31, 1995," Mimeo No. 54516, June 23, 1995.
Footnote 68 Third Report/Further Notice, supra at 6946.
Footnote 69 Under the sliding scale approach, parties applying early in the six-year application/construction period would have the remainder of the application period and the full three-year construction period in which to construct. Thus, they would have a longer time to devote to construction of ATV facilities than those applying later. This, we stated, "should permit those applying early additional time to cope with any unforeseen problems that arise." Third Report/Further Notice, supra at 6939. Should we adopt our proposal to require an election by the end of the sixth month, licensees filing earlier in the remaining two-and-one-half years would still have more time in which to construct than those filing later in that period.
Footnote 70 Third Report/Further Notice, supra at 6947.
Footnote 71 Third Report/Further Notice, supra at 6930, 6947-6948.
Footnote 72 Id. at 6948.
Footnote 73 Noncommercial broadcasters have noted the unique difficulties that they face in obtaining assured financing for the transition, since they rely on government appropriations, foundation grants, and corporate and viewer donations.
Footnote 74 As previously indicated, in the Third Report/Further Notice we extended the application period from two to three years.
Footnote 75 Public Television Comments at 18.
Footnote 76 Arizona State at 5.
Footnote 77 GHTV, Inc., SCI Television, Inc., and Busse Broadcasting Corp., in joint comments, support relief for noncommercial broadcasters who, they fear, will be unable to meet the "aggressive timetable" the Commission has set for ATV transition. However, they ask that if the Commission grants noncommercial licensees relaxed filing or financial requirements, we extend the same treatment to commercial licensees. As indicated above, there is longstanding precedent for granting noncommercial licensees special consideration particularly with respect to financial showings. The action we are taking will continue that precedent. We see, however, no reason to extend the same treatment to commercial licensees whose financial environment is so much different from that of noncommercial broadcasters.
Footnote 78 See 47 C.F.R. §§ 15.101 et seq.
Footnote 79 47 U.S.C. §303(s).
Footnote 80 See 47 C.F.R. §15.117.
Footnote 81 Third Report/Further Notice, supra at 6984.
Footnote 82 P.L. 102-385, 106 Stat. 1460, codified at 47 U.S.C. § 521 et seq. Included in the existing rules are the following types of obligations and responsibilities: 1) only a portion of channel capacity must be devoted to carriage of local signals; 2) stations are entitled to "on channel" carriage; 3) signals must be carried "without material degradation;" 4) stations not providing a defined level of signal quality to the system need not be carried; 5) all such signals must be on a basic service tier; 6) systems need onlycarry the "primary video" and certain defined programming that is broadcast on the vertical blanking interval; 7) rules requiring cable operators to provide a switch (input selector or A/B switch) to permit the viewing of over-the-air signals may not be adopted; 8) a cable operator "shall not be required to carry the signal of any local commercial television station that substantially duplicates the signal of another local commercial television station which is carried on the cable system;" and 9) a cable operator may not request or accept any consideration from a television station in fulfillment of these obligations (other than copyright payments and costs associated with delivering a good quality signal to the cable system's headend).
Footnote 84 47 U.S.C. § 534(b).
Footnote 85 47 C.F.R. § 76.56. Although we recognize that there is an ongoing challenge to the constitutionality of the existing requirements, Turner Broadcasting System v. FCC, 114 S. Ct. 2445 (1994), we assume for purposes of this discussion the validity of the existing statutory provisions. Parties are welcome to comment on the implications of any of the issues involved in this proceeding in terms of the judicial sustainability of any future requirements.
Footnote 86 See Section 614(b)(5) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (47 U.S.C. § 534(b)(5)).
Footnote 87 Section 614 of the Act requires carriage of "the primary video, accompanying audio, and line 21 closed caption transmission" of each local commercial broadcast station carried on the cable system. Also required, to the extent technically feasible, is carriage of program-related material carried in the vertical blanking interval or on subcarriers. Similar requirements are found in Section 615 with respect to noncommercial educational stations. However, "[r]etransmission of other material in the vertical blanking interval or other nonprogram-related material (including teletext and other subscription and advertiser supported information services) shall be at the discretion of the cable operator."
Footnote 88 See Memorandum Opinion and Order in Docket 92-259, 9 FCC Rcd 6723, paras 96-107 (1994).
Footnote 89 Second Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making, supra at 5379.