FCC to Lift Minor Modification Freeze, Open TV Minor Change Application Window from Nov. 28 – Dec. 7, 2017

The FCC will temporarily lift the television station minor modification application filing freeze in effect since 2013, which will allow certain stations to submit minor change applications to expand their facilities. Between November 28 and December 7, 2017, full-power or Class A television stations that were not reassigned new channels in the repack may submit minor modification construction permit applications proposing to increase their noise-limited or protected contours beyond currently authorized facilities. These applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The temporary lifting of the freeze also means that the FCC will begin processing minor modification applications that have been pending since April 2013 which requested increases in stations’ noise-limited or protected contours in one or more directions beyond the authorized facilities.

Television station licensees that want to take advantage of this important opportunity to file for expanded facilities, or that have questions about filing minor modification applications, should contact any attorney in our office.

Categories: Media