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FCC Adopts Rules for Digital Stations

Aug 8, 2004  •  Post A Comment

The Federal Communications Commission unanimously adopted rules last week making clear that broadcasters that don’t soon raise their digital TV stations to fully authorized power levels could lose potential audience reach permanently. In its order, the FCC said most Big 4 network affiliates in the top 100 markets would have to be up to full power by July 1, 2005, or lose interference protection. Most other stations would have to follow suit by July 1, 2006. The FCC also adopted timelines and regulations under which broadcasters are supposed to permanently indicate the DTV channels they’re planning to operate on, with the first round of channel elections to be held in December and the final round in January 2006. In addition, the FCC said that it has eliminated-at least for the time being-a requirement that broadcasters simulcast their analog-channel programming on their digital channels during the transition to the technology.

Cox Television Promotes Block

Jeff Block, the general manager of Cox Television-owned KTVU-TV since 2001, will ascend to a new position as head of Cox Television’s overall strategic digital efforts as soon as his successor at the San Francisco Fox affiliate can be found and installed. Mr. Block’s new position will report directly to Cox Television President Andy Fisher and Executive VP Bruce Baker. n

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