Nothing that I found surprising in any of this. It is confirmed that only MVPD
carriage of the ATSC 1.0 "signal," by which I think they mean "main channel
content," is mandated. Also, that the simulcasts are meant to be "substantially
similar," except for whatever bells and whistles ATSC 3.0 might provide, for a
period of 5 years. Although LPTV stations and translators can transition to
ATSC 3.0 with no simulcast requirement. A bit strange, for those depending on
translators and LPTV.
The bullet that explains MVPD carriage, toward the bottom, will continue to
befuddle, by its insistence on using this term "signal." Why can't they say it
like it is? The CONTENT, of the main channel at least, is meant to be
simulcast. THEREFORE, it makes no sense to require MVPDs to carry the same
content twice. "Signal" means nothing at all in this regard. No MVPD is
carrying either ATSC 1.0 or 3.0. So, no change at all with retrans consent.
Whatever different content the ATSC 3.0 channel might carry can be voluntarily
negotiated for MVPD carriage, by the broadcasters and MVPDs.
Given that there is no tuner mandate, it seems a little strange that the FCC
doesn't even hint as to how to determine when ATSC 1.0 can be switched off. The
implication is ATSC 1.0 can be switched off after 5 years, unless the FCC says
otherwise. But it's not stated explicitly.
Bert
https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-authorizes-next-gen-tv-broadcast-standard-0
From the Introduction:
------------------------------------------
2. We adopt rules in this Order that will afford broadcasters flexibility
to deploy ATSC 3.0-based transmissions, while minimizing the impact on, and
costs to, consumers and other industry stakeholders. Among the key decisions
we adopt are the following:
* Voluntary Use. We authorize voluntary use of the ATSC 3.0 transmission
standard, and we explain why 3.0 transmissions meet the definition of
"broadcasting" in the Communications Act.
* Local Simulcasting. We conclude that local simulcasting is essential
to the deployment of Next Gen TV service on a voluntary, market-driven basis
for all stakeholders. We therefore require Next Gen TV broadcasters to
simulcast the primary video programming stream of their ATSC 3.0 channels in an
ATSC 1.0 format, so that viewers will continue to receive ATSC 1.0 service.
Broadcasters will meet this requirement by partnering with another station
(i.e., a temporary "host" station) in their local market to either: (1) air an
ATSC 3.0 channel at the temporary host's facility, while using their original
facility to continue to provide an ATSC 1.0 simulcast channel, or (2) air an
ATSC 1.0 simulcast channel at the temporary host's facility, while converting
their original facility to provide an ATSC 3.0 channel.
o The programming aired on the ATSC 1.0 simulcast channel must be
"substantially similar" to the programming aired on the 3.0 channel. This
means that the programming must be the same, except for programming features
that are based on the enhanced capabilities of ATSC 3.0, advertisements, and
promotions for upcoming programs. The substantially similar requirement will
sunset in five years from its effective date absent further action by the
Commission to extend it.
o A Next Gen TV broadcaster's 1.0 simulcast channel must continue to
cover its entire community of license. We will consider any loss in 1.0
service resulting from the local simulcast arrangement in determining whether
to grant a Next Gen TV license application; however, to the extent that service
loss is no more than five percent of the population served by the existing
station, we will provide expedited processing of such applications.
o We will consider requests for waiver of the local simulcasting
requirement for full power and Class A television stations on a case-by-case
basis (i.e., requests to transition directly from ATSC 1.0 to ATSC 3.0 service
without providing a 1.0 simulcast, and requests for waiver of the simulcast
coverage requirements). We exempt LPTV and TV translator stations from our
local simulcasting requirement and allow these stations to transition directly
to 3.0 service without waivers.
* Licensing: We require that a 1.0 or 3.0 channel aired on a host
station be licensed as a temporary second channel of the originating
broadcaster. We adopt a streamlined "one-step" process for reviewing and
licensing most such applications.
* MVPD Carriage. A Next Gen TV broadcaster's ATSC 1.0 signal will retain
mandatory carriage rights, and a Next Gen TV broadcaster's 3.0 signal will not
have mandatory carriage rights while the Commission requires local
simulcasting. Thus, MVPDs will be required to continue to carry broadcasters'
1.0 signals, but will not be required to carry 3.0 signals. We do not adopt
new rules to govern carriage of 3.0 signals pursuant to retransmission consent.
We find that voluntary carriage of 3.0 signals is best left to marketplace
negotiations between broadcasters and MVPDs.
* Public Interest Obligations and Consumer Protection. Television
stations transmitting signals in ATSC 3.0 will be subject to the public
interest obligations currently applicable to television broadcasters. In
addition, we conclude that it is unnecessary to adopt an ATSC 3.0 tuner mandate
for new television receivers. We require broadcasters to provide advance
on-air notifications to educate consumers about Next Gen TV service deployment
and simulcasting. Our notice requirements are essentially the same as those we
have adopted in the context of the broadcast incentive auction.
* Technical Issues. We adopt specific parts of the ATSC 3.0 standard and
explain the methodology we will use to calculate interference.
3. In the attached Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, we seek further
comment on three topics. First, we seek comment on issues related to
exceptions to and waivers of the local simulcasting requirement. Second, we
seek comment on whether we should let full power broadcasters use channels in
the television broadcast band that are vacant to facilitate the transition to
3.0. Finally, we tentatively conclude that local simulcasting should not
change the significantly viewed status of a Next Gen TV station.
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