[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 54 (Friday, March 20, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13546-13563]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-6827]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Parts 73 and 74

[MM Docket No. 87-268; FCC 98-24]


Advanced Television Systems and Their Impact on the Existing 
Television Service

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Commission has adopted an MO&O addressing 231 petitions 
for reconsideration of the Sixth R&O. This MO&O generally affirms the 
DTV channel allotments and other technical rules and procedures with 
certain minor modifications, including changes in its DTV allotment 
standards, operating rules and specific DTV allotments. This action 
will facilitate the conversion of over-the-air television broadcasting 
from the existing analog system to the new digital system.

DATES: Effective April 20, 1998, except for Sec. 73.622(f)(4)(iv) which 
contains new or modified paperwork requirements and which will become 
effective May 19, 1998, following approval by the Office of Management 
and Budget,

[[Page 13547]]

unless timely notice of withdrawal is published in the Federal 
Register.

ADDRESSES: Comments on the proposed and/or modified information 
collections described herein are to be filed with the Secretary, 
Federal Communications Commission, Room 222, 1919 M Street, N.W., 
Washington, DC 20554. A copy of any such comments should also be 
submitted to Judy Boley, at the above address or via the Internet at 
[email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bruce Franca (202-418-2470), Alan 
Stillwell (202-418-2470) or Robert Eckert (202-428-2470), Office of 
Engineering and Technology. For additional information regarding 
information collections contained in the Memorandum Opinion and Order, 
contact Judy Boley (202-418-0214).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's 
Memorandum Opinion and Order (MO&O) in MM Docket No. 87-268, FCC 98-24, 
adopted February 17, 1998, and released February 23, 1998. The full 
text of this decision is available for inspection and copying during 
normal business hours in the FCC Dockets Branch (Room 230), 1919 M 
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. The complete text of this decision also 
may be purchased from the Commission's duplicating contractor, 
International Transcription Service, 1231 20th Street, N.W., 
Washington, D.C. 20036 (202-857-3800).

Summary of the Memorandum Opinion and Order on Reconsideration of 
the Sixth Report and Order

    1. In the MO&O, the Commission has affirmed, with some minor 
modifications, its April 3, 1997, Sixth Report and Order in the DTV 
proceeding that assigns each broadcaster a new channel for DTV 
operations and allows TV broadcasters to ``replicate'' their existing 
NTSC service in converting to DTV. This action is in response to 231 
petitions for reconsideration of the Sixth Report and Order.
    2. The Commission made a number of modifications to its allotment 
policies and rules and to the DTV Table of Allotments in this action. 
It first adopted a core spectrum of channels 2-51 for DTV. This new 
core will eliminate industry uncertainty about the status of VHF 
channels 2-6. The new core will also provide more flexibility to 
address new technical information on DTV adjacent channel performance. 
In this regard, the new core will ensure that there is sufficient 
spectrum to eliminate DTV-to-DTV adjacent channel interference 
situations. The new core will also provide more broadcasters with an 
in-core DTV channel and eliminate the need for second moves by many 
stations. In addition, the new core will help ease the impact of the 
transition on low power TV stations, which are small businesses that 
provided diverse programming and services to their communities. 
Further, it will promote diversity in services and television station 
ownership by increasing the opportunities for new entrants.
    3. The Commission also adopted new measures to permit DTV stations 
to operate with increased power or take other measures to improve their 
coverage. DTV stations will be permitted to increase power, or modify 
their antenna height or transmitter location, where the requested 
change would not result in more than a de minimis, i.e., 2 percent, 
increase in interference to the population served by another station, 
unless the station already experienced interference to 10 percent or 
more of its population, or the change would result in the effected 
station receiving interference in excess of 10 percent of its 
population. In addition, UHF stations will be allowed to increase power 
within their service area up to 1000 kW by using antenna beam-tilting 
techniques, provided they meet the above standard for permissible 
interference.
    4. The Commission next took steps to eliminate adjacent channel 
interference resulting from operation on DTV allotments. In particular, 
it changed 42 allotments to eliminate DTV-to-DTV adjacent channel 
situations where interference would occur, tightened the ``emissions 
mask'' that limits out-of-band emissions from DTV operation and 
provided flexibility in its administrative processes to encourage 
adjacent channel co-locations.
    5. The Commission affirmed its decision to retain ``secondary 
status'' for low power television (LPTV) stations, but took additional 
steps to assist low power stations that may be displaced or otherwise 
impacted by DTV operations. In this regard, the Commission said it 
would consider LPTV or TV Translator stations eligible to seek a new 
channel without being subject to competing applications where they 
faced predicted interference either to or from any allotted full 
service DTV facility, and that such requests will be given priority 
over other low power applications. The Commission also used software 
developed by the Community Broadcasters Association to change 66 
allotments in the DTV Table in order to avoid using a channel now used 
by one or more low power stations. These changes provide the affected 
full power broadcasters with a new DTV channel that is equivalent in 
service replication and interference. In addition, the Commission 
modified its technical rules to improve sharing between low power and 
full power stations.
    6. The Commission said that at the end of the DTV transition 
period, it would, on its own motion, consider establishing additional 
DTV noncommercial reserved allotments for existing noncommercial 
reserved NTSC allotments that cannot be replaced at this time.
    7. The Commission modified its rules to allow television licensees 
and permittees to negotiate exchanges of DTV allotments on an intra-
community, intra-market or inter-market basis where such changes do not 
cause interference to other stations or where all affected stations 
agree to accept any additional interference that may result. The 
Commission also recognized broadcasters' interest in the establishment 
of an industry committee system for coordination of DTV allotment 
changes. It therefore stated that it intends to initiate a rule making 
proceeding in the near future to seek comment on whether it should 
adopt such a committee system and, if so, procedures for its operation.
    8. It further made a number of minor adjustments to its technical 
methodologies and standards for DTV allotments and the operation of 
stations on those allotments.
    9. Finally, the Commission modified 29 DTV allotments in response 
to individual station requests. Overall, with these changes and the 
changes to avoid adjacent channel interference and conflicts with low 
power stations indicated above, the Commission modified a total of 143 
DTV allotments. The revised DTV Table and associated technical 
parameters for station operation are available for inspection on the 
internet at www.fcc.gov and at the FCC Reference Center, Room 239, 1919 
M Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20554 during regular business hours.

Procedural Matters

    10. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 Analysis. This Memorandum 
Opinion and Order contains either a new or modified information 
collection. As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork 
burdens, we invite the general public and the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) to take this opportunity to comment on the information 
collections contained in this order, as required by the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law104-

[[Page 13548]]

13. Public and agency comments are due May 19, 1998. Comments should 
address: (a) whether the proposed collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the 
Commission, including whether the information shall have practical 
utility; (b) the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimates; (c) 
ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information 
collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of 
information on the respondents, including the use of automated 
collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Written 
comments must be submitted on the proposed and/or modified information 
collections on or before May 19, 1998. In addition to filing comments 
with the Secretary, a copy of any comments on the information 
collections contained herein should be submitted to Judy Boley, Federal 
Communications Commission, Room 234, 1919 M Street, N.W., Washington, 
DC 20554, or via the Internet to [email protected]. For additional 
information regarding information collections contained in the 
Memorandum Opinion and Order contact Judy Boley at 202-418-0214.
    11. Supplemental Regulatory Flexibility Analysis. As required by 
the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA),\1\ an Initial Regulatory 
Flexibility Analysis was incorporated into the Sixth Further Notice of 
Proposed Rule Making in this proceeding,\2\ and a Final Regulatory 
Flexibility Analysis (FRFA) was incorporated into the subsequent Sixth 
Report and Order.\3\ As described below, one Petition for 
Reconsideration of the Sixth Report and Order (62 FR 26684; May 14, 
1997) raised an issue concerning the FRFA. The present Memorandum 
Opinion and Order on Reconsideration of the Sixth Report and Order 
addresses that reconsideration petition, among others. This associated 
Supplemental Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (Supplemental FRFA) 
also addresses that petition, and conforms to the RFA.\4\
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    \1\ See 5 U.S.C. Secs. 603, 604. The RFA, see 5 U.S.C. Sec. 601 
et seq., has been amended by the Contract With America Advancement 
Act of 1996, Public Law 1045-121, 110 Stat. 847 (1996) (CWAAA). 
Title II of the CWAAA is the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996 (SBREFA).
    \2\ 11 FCC Rcd 10968, 11060 (1996).
    \3\ 12 FCC Rcd 14588, 14768 (1997).
    \4\ See 5 U.S.C. Sec. 604.
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A. Need for, and Objectives of, this Memorandum Opinion and Order

    12. In the Sixth Report and Order, the Commission adopted policies, 
procedures and technical criteria for use in conjunction with broadcast 
digital television (DTV), adopted a DTV Table of Allotments, adopted a 
plan for the recovery of a portion of the spectrum currently allocated 
to TV broadcasting, and provided procedures for assigning DTV 
frequencies. In the present Memorandum Opinion and Order, the 
Commission addresses petitions for reconsideration of the Sixth Report 
and Order. Throughout this proceeding, we have sought to allot DTV 
channels in a manner that is most efficient for broadcasters and the 
public and least disruptive to broadcast television service during the 
period of transition from NTSC to DTV service. We wish to ensure that 
the spectrum is used efficiently and effectively through reliance on 
market forces, and ensure that the introduction of digital TV fully 
serves the public interest.

B. Summary of Significant Issues Raised by the Public In Response to 
the FRFA

    13. One petition for reconsideration, that of Skinner Broadcasting, 
Inc. (Skinner),\5\ raises various issues, one of which is in direct 
response to the FRFA contained in the Sixth Report and Order. Skinner 
states that the Commission conceded in the Sixth Report and Order that, 
as a result of its actions, many low power television (LPTV) and TV 
translator stations would be displaced. Nonetheless, argues Skinner, 
the Commission ``made no proffer . . . of alternative digital channel 
allotment configurations'' that might have reduced the number of such 
displacements.\6\ Skinner notes that an ex parte presentation by 
Community Broadcasters Association (CBA) offered an alternative 
allotment table, and that alternative was not discussed in the Sixth 
Report and Order or its FRFA. Skinner states that the Commission was 
apparently satisfied that the interests of LPTV and TV translator 
stations deserved no further consideration, given that such operations 
are ``secondary'' under current licensing.\7\ Skinner argues that 
``alternatives obviously exist[ed]'' that might have avoided subsequent 
displacements, and requests that the Commission reconsider the 
allotment table adopted in the Sixth Report and Order.\8\
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    \5\ Skinner Broadcasting, Inc., Petition for Reconsideration, 
filed June 13, 1997. The Skinner petition is also discussed in this 
context in the present Memorandum Opinion and Order, in Section 
III(F).
    \6\ Id. at 7.
    \7\ Id. at 7-8.
    \8\ Id. at 8.
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    14. We disagree with the contention that the Commission failed to 
consider alternatives that could have further assisted LPTV stations, 
TV translator stations, and other possible small entities in the DTV 
transition process. As quoted by Skinner in a footnote in its 
reconsideration petition,\9\ the previous FRFA specifically described 
the displacement issue, with reference to the text of the Sixth Report 
and Order, and noted that ``[o]ne alternative to this approach would 
have been to permit existing LPTV and TV translator stations to remain 
on their incumbent channels; this approach was not chosen because it 
would have resulted in providing allotments for fewer than all full 
service licensees.'' Elsewhere in the FRFA, we stated that, in addition 
to the ``secondary status'' reason for the Commission's allotment 
decision, the decision was consistent with ``the primary allotment 
objective . . . to develop a DTV Table of Allotments that provides a 
channel for all eligible broadcasters, consistent with the provisions 
of the 1996 Telecommunications Act regarding initial eligibility for 
DTV licenses.'' \10\ Discussion at that point cross-referenced the 
lengthier discussions in the primary text of the Sixth Report and Order 
concerning LPTV and TV translator stations and the ``secondary status'' 
issue, including reference to case law.\11\ In addition, both the Sixth 
Report and Order and its FRFA discussed alternative approaches,\12\ 
although not the specific approach of CBA cited by Skinner. Last, as 
noted by Skinner, the FRFA discussed various policies adopted to 
mitigate the effects of displacement.
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    \9\ Id. at 8 n.5.
    \10\ FRFA, 12 FCC Rcd at 14769.
    \11\ Id. at 14769 n.8 (citing paragraphs 11 and 113-147 of the 
Sixth Report and Order).
    \12\ Sixth Report and Order, 12 FCC Rcd at 14593-95; FRFA, 12 
FCC Rcd at 14768-69.
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    15. We note that the CBA ex parte presentation cited by Skinner was 
dated March 26, 1997, which would have been eight days prior to 
adoption of the Sixth Report and Order. In a proceeding as lengthy as 
this, that timing was unfortunate, but the Commission did consider 
other CBA positions submitted earlier. Also, we note that CBA has 
currently submitted another allocation proposal, which, in the present 
Memorandum Opinion and Order, we have adopted in part. This other 
proposal is also discussed later in this Supplemental FRFA, in Section 
E (``Steps Taken to Minimize Significant Economic Burdens on Small 
Entities, and Significant Alternatives Considered'').

[[Page 13549]]

C. Description and Estimate of the Number of Small Entities to Which 
the Rules Will Apply

    16. As noted, a Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis was 
incorporated into the Sixth Report and Order.\13\ In that analysis, we 
described in detail the small entities that might be significantly 
affected by the rules adopted in the Sixth Report and Order.\14\ Those 
entities included full service television stations, TV translator 
facilities, and LPTV stations. In addition, while we did not believe 
that television equipment manufacturers, manufacturers of television 
equipment used by consumers, and computer manufacturers constituted 
regulated entities for the purpose of that previous FRFA, we included 
them in the analysis of the FRFA because we thought that some rule 
changes and textual discussions in the Sixth Report and Order might 
ultimately have some affect on equipment compliance. In the present 
Memorandum Opinion and Order we address reconsideration petitions filed 
in response to the Sixth Report and Order. In this present Supplemental 
FRFA, we hereby incorporate by reference the description and estimate 
of the number of small entities from the previous FRFA in this 
proceeding.\15\
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    \13\ 12 FCC Red 14588, 14768(1997).
    \14\ See Section C of the previous Final Regulatory Flexibility 
analysis, ``Description and Estimate of the Number of Small Entities 
to Which the Rules Will Apply,'' at 12 FCC Red at 14770-76.
    \15\ Id.
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D. Description of Projected Reporting, Recordkeeping and Other 
Compliance Requirements

    17. The rules adopted will result in one change in current 
reporting, Recordkeeping, or other compliance requirements: an 
application will be required to be filed for those entities wishing to 
increase station power within their service area through the use of 
beam tilting techniques.

E. Steps Taken to Minimize Significant Economic Burdens on Small 
Entities, and Significant Alternatives Considered

    18. As noted in the previous FRFA, the DTV Table of Allotments will 
affect all of the commercial and noncommercial broadcast television 
stations eligible for a DTV channel in the transition period and a 
significant number of the LPTV and TV translator stations.\16\ LPTV and 
TV translator stations, especially, are likely to be small entities. It 
is expected that the allotments will constitute the population of 
channels on which broadcasters will operate DTV service in the future. 
Affected stations will need to modify or obtain new transmission 
facilities and, to a varying extent, production equipment to operate on 
the new DTV channels. The actual cost of equipment is expected to vary 
in accordance with the degree to which the station becomes involved in 
DTV programming and origination.
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    \16\ 12 FCC Red at 14776.
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    19. As described in the present Memorandum Opinion and Order,\17\ 
we continue to believe that the general principles and priorities used 
for the development of the DTV allotments/assignments remain 
appropriate. We reaffirm our approach to provide all eligible 
broadcasters with the temporary use of a second channel that, to the 
extent possible, will allow them to replicate the service areas of 
their existing NTSC operations. We continue to find that such an 
approach will promote the orderly transition of DTV by broadcasters and 
foster the provision of service to the public. Our actions represent a 
balancing of various factors.
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    \17\ Memorandum Opinion and Order at Sections III (A) and (F).
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    20. In this regard, certain petitioners have suggested that certain 
``targeted and limited adjustments'' to the DTV Table of Allotments are 
needed. Considering this and other information, we have determined to 
make a number of limited changes in the Table in order to prevent the 
loss of DTV service and to minimize the impact of DTV operations on 
existing NTSC service.\18\ In this regard, for example, we have 
reviewed certain DTV-to-DTV adjacent channel situations and are 
modifying the DTV allotments to eliminate these situations in a number 
of instances. Specifically, we are making changes to 42 DTV allotments, 
to resolve cases where use of adjacent channels is no longer acceptable 
and would impact our service replication and interference goals. We 
also are making a number of modifications to our technical rules for 
DTV operation to further reduce the potential for interference between 
DTV stations that operate on adjacent channels in the same area. In 
addition, we are making 29 allotment changes to address requests by 
individual petitioners, for a total of 71 changes.
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    \18\ Id. at Section III(E)
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    21. A number of parties representing low power interests argue that 
the plan for early recovery of channels 60-69 will adversely impact 
LPTV and TV translator stations.19 Again balancing various 
interests, we have affirmed our basic plan to recover a portion of the 
existing television spectrum and our earlier decision to permit low 
power stations to continue to operate on channels 60-69 on a secondary 
basis through the transition process.20 As set forth in the 
Report and Order in ET Docket No. 97-157, released January 6, 
1998,21 we have reallocated channels 60-69 for public safety 
and a broad range of other services, including broadcasting, in 
accordance with the requirements of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. 
However, in that decision, we stated that low power stations will be 
allowed to operate on these channels, provided no interference is 
caused to primary users. We also encouraged, wherever possible, private 
negotiations between low power and new service providers to resolve 
interference problems in a manner which is acceptable and beneficial to 
both parties.
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    \19\ Id. at Section III(A).
    \20\ Id.
    \21\ Document No. FCC 97-421.
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    22. A number of petitioners have requested that we reconsider our 
decision to defer the determination of the final core spectrum, pending 
information on the suitability of channels 2-6 for DTV service. Some 
also request that we expand or amend the DTV core spectrum to include 
channels 2-6. In reconsidering this matter, we now believe that the 
most desirable course of action is to expand the core to include all 
channels 2-51.22 While we recognize that this change will 
reduce the amount of spectrum to be recovered by 30 MHz, we believe 
that the benefits of expanding the core spectrum outweigh the need for 
recovery of either channels 2-6 or 47-51. In particular, the change 
will eliminate certain planning uncertainties, reduce the number of 
stations required to make second channel moves, increase the 
availability of channels and thereby promote competition and diversity, 
and help eliminate DTV-to-DTV adjacent channel interference situations. 
Importantly for small entities, this expansion of the core will reduce 
the impact of the transition on low power operations. In this regard, 
channels 2-6 and 47-51 now support a significant number of LPTV and TV 
translator stations. The low VHF channels, for example, have some of 
the highest concentration of low power stations. Expanding the core to 
include channels 2-6 may eliminate the eventual displacement of most of 
these stations. In addition, expanding the core will also provide low 
power stations with more channels and greater

[[Page 13550]]

opportunities to start new stations and relocate existing stations.
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    \22\ Memorandum Opinion and Order at Section III(B).
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    23. Some licensees, including noncommercial stations, express 
concern regarding the additional burden that might be placed on 
stations that are provided transitional DTV channels outside the core 
spectrum. These parties generally state that because they will have 
relocate their DTV operations to channels within the core spectrum they 
will have to endure additional costs and be placed at a disadvantage 
with respect to their competitors. They state that the necessity of a 
``double move'' (building facilities twice), if it comes to that, 
represents disparate treatment of similarly situated broadcasters. 
Recognizing these concerns, and as explained more fully in the 
Memorandum Opinion and Order,23 we have attempted to 
minimize to the extent possible the number of out-of-core DTV 
allotments in developing the DTV Table. By expanding the core of 
channels, there will be only 189 stations with out-of-core DTV 
allotments. All but 12 of these stations have existing NTSC channels 
within the core spectrum to which they may relocate at the end of the 
transition period. In addition, to the extent that in-core channels 
become available during the transition, we will attempt to further 
reduce the number of out-of-core allotments in any future amendments to 
the Table of Allotments. We have not, however, determined to modify our 
``no interference criteria,'' because most out-of-core allotments occur 
in the most congested areas of the country where we have already 
permitted some interference in order to achieve our goal of full 
accommodation and to maximize the number of in-core allotments. We also 
do not find it practicable to require stations to choose now the 
channel they intend to keep following the transition. Regarding the 
special burdens perhaps placed on certain noncommercial public 
television licensees because of their reliance on federal, state and 
private contributions to raise funds, we are initiating a separate 
proceeding to seek comment on the ability of the licensees to use the 
DTV channel capacity for commercial purposes. In the interim, we are 
not adopting special provisions or priorities for PTV stations, but 
will consider their concerns on a case-by-case basis. Also on a case-
by-case basis, we will consider requests by stations with both NTSC and 
DTV channels outside the core area to defer the construction of their 
DTV station beyond the current construction deadline, or to convert 
their operations directly to DTV at the end of the transition, where 
such stations can show that implementing DTV in accordance with our 
schedule will cause undue hardship to their operations.
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    \23\ Id. at Section III(C).
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    24. In the Sixth Report and Order,24 we allotted DTV 
channels using a ``service replication/maximization'' concept that was 
suggested by a variety of broadcast industry interests and 
representatives. Under this approach,, we specified for each DTV 
allotment a maximum permissible effective radiated power (ERP) and 
antenna height above average terrain (HAAT) that will, to the extent 
possible, provide for replication of the station's existing Grade B 
service area. Our actions were intended in part to reduce the disparity 
between existing UHF and VHF stations. We also provided rules and 
procedures for stations to ``maximize,'' or increase, their service 
areas provided they do not cause interference to other stations. In 
response, some petitioners have raised concerns regarding difficulties 
that UHF stations may face under the service replication plan in 
providing DTV service within their core market or Grade A service areas 
and in competing with the higher-powered DTV service of existing VHF 
stations. Accordingly, to allow UHF stations to better serve their core 
market areas and to reduce the disparities that are inherent in the 
current service replication process, we have modified our rules to 
provide additional opportunities for stations to maximize their DTV 
coverage and service through increasing their power and/or making other 
changes in their facilities.25 We are replacing the current 
standard that specifies that changes in DTV operations may not cause 
any new interference with a new de minimis standard along the lines 
suggested by certain petitioners. Under this new de minimis standard, 
stations will be permitted to increase power or make other changes in 
their operation, such as modification of their antenna height or 
transmitter location, where the requested change would not result in 
more than a 2 percent increase in interference to the population served 
by another station; provided, however, that no new interference may be 
caused to any station that already experiences interference to 10 
percent or more of its population or that would result in a station 
receiving interference in excess of 10 percent of its population. In 
addition, we have adopted an approach that will allow stations to 
increase their power within their existing DTV service areas using beam 
tilting techniques.
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    \24\ Sixth Report and Order, 12 FCC Rcd at 14605-07; FRFA, 12 
FCC Rcd at 1478.
    \25\ Memorandum Opinion and Order at Section III(D).
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    25. In the Memorandum Opinion and Order, we have made a series of 
decisions concerning LPTV and TV translator stations, which stations, 
as we noted earlier, are especially likely to be small 
entities.26 As we have stated before, we wish to ensure the 
viability and survivability of LPTV and TV translator stations in a 
digital world. At this juncture, some petitioners again raise 
displacement concerns, and one petitioner noted earlier in this present 
Supplemental FRFA, Community Broadcasters Association (CBA), offers an 
alternative allotment table. CBA has also proposed that we recognize a 
presumption favoring potentially displaced LPTV stations that file a 
request to amend the DTV Table of Allotments. Recognizing these 
concerns, we have utilized the software algorithm and approach 
recommended by CBA, and have been able to identify a limited number of 
cases in certain areas of the country where it is possible to avoid 
using a channel occupied by low power stations by providing full 
service stations with an equivalent alternative DTV 
channel.27 In particular, we have found 66 instances in 
which a channel change can be made that would not affect the operations 
of full service stations, and we are therefore modifying the Table to 
reflect these 66 DTV channel changes. We are not granting requests by 
low power licensees to change the channels of individual full service 
DTV allotments in order to avoid displacement of low power stations, 
because to do so would adversely affect the ability of full service 
stations to replicate their existing service and would also lead to 
increased interference. We will, however, consider changing DTV 
allotments to protect low power stations where the affected full 
service station agrees to the change. In this regard, we encourage low 
power and full service licensees to work together to develop 
modifications to the DTV Table that will preserve the service of low 
power stations.
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    \26\ Id. at Section III(F).
    \27\ Id. at Section III(F)(1).
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    26. In response to petitions requesting clarification of our 
displacement relief policies, and to assist in making such relief 
available in an equitable manner to all affected low power stations, we 
will consider an LPTV or TV translator station eligible for such relief 
where interference is predicted either to or from any allotted DTV 
facility.28 Stations eligible under this criterion may apply 
for relief as of the effective

[[Page 13551]]

date of this Memorandum Opinion and Order. All LPTV and TV translator 
licensees on channels 60 to 69 are also eligible to file such 
displacement relief applications at any time. In addition, and as 
suggested by CBA, we are affording displacement relief applications 
priority over new station applications or other requests for 
modification by low power stations, including any such applications and 
requests that may be pending at the time the displacement relief 
application is filed. We will also permit displaced stations to seek 
modifications other than channel changes, including, where necessary, 
increases in effective radiated power up to the maximum allowed values. 
We are not, however, providing any additional priority for urban LPTV 
stations or PTV low power and TV translator stations in the 
displacement relief process, as requested by some petitioners. We 
believe that treating all potentially displaced low power stations in a 
fair and equitable manner is the most appropriate course of action.
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    \28\ Id. at Section III(F)(2).
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    27. In this regard, we wish to note: low power licensees are 
advised that the channels considered as candidates for assignment to 
land mobile services in eight major markets under GEN Docket No. 85-172 
are available at this time for low power use and may be requested in 
displacement relief applications.
    28. Some petitioners request that we eliminate or modify the new 
DTV protection requirement in Section 73.623 of our rules, which 
requires that co-channel NTSC operations provide an additional 19 dB of 
protection to DTV service at the edge of a DTV station's noise-limited 
service area. It is argued that the rule is not needed to avoid 
interference and will greatly complicate the task of finding new 
channels for displaced LPTV stations. They also request that we require 
DTV stations that are co-located with a lower adjacent channel LPTV 
station to match the frequency offset of the LPTV station as a method 
of reducing interference, and require the DTV station in such cases to 
cooperate in making the necessary arrangements for maintaining an 
offset between the two signals, including cost arrangements. We have 
rejected these requests, because the protection standard is required to 
ensure protection of DTV service.\29\ We are, however, amending the low 
power television rules to specify the D/U values as a function of S/N 
values to provide a transition from 21 dB to 2 dB D/U for NTSC-into-
DTV, and from 15 dB to 23 dB D/U for DTV-into-DTV. These values are 
based on measurement data presented to our advisory committee. With 
regard to adjacent channel operation where a DTV station is immediately 
above an NTSC station, we agree that DTV stations that are co-located 
with a lower adjacent channel low power NTSC station should be required 
to cooperate and maintain the necessary offset to eliminate 
interference to the low power station. We note that the equipment 
necessary to lock to a common reference frequency is relatively 
inexpensive and should not be burdensome for a full power station. We 
believe that on balance the benefits of maintaining service from low 
power stations in such cases outweigh the relatively small incremental 
costs for full service stations. We therefore have amended the rules in 
this regard, which should benefit small entity stations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \29\ Id. at Section III(F)(3).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    29. Some petitioners have requested that low power stations be 
permitted to utilize digital operation immediately. While we recognize 
the desire of some low power operators to begin providing DTV service 
at the same time as full service stations, there are a number of issues 
in this context that still need to be addressed through a notice-and-
comment rulemaking proceeding. We intend to initiate a separate 
proceeding on this, in the near future. As noted in the Sixth Report 
and Order,\30\ for the time being we will consider requests by low 
power operators to operate DTV service on replacement channels on a 
case-by-case basis under our displacement relief policy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \30\ 12 FCC Rcd at 14653 n.263.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    30. Some petitioners request that we take steps to establish a 
permanent class of LPTV stations with primary allocation status. At 
this time, we are deferring consideration of this and similar issues. 
We will address these issues in a future action, when we address a 
similar petition for rulemaking submitted by CBA.\31\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \31\ CBA Petition for Rule Making, submitted Sept. 30, 1997.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    31. Last, some petitioners request that we reconsider our 
previously stated intention to consider reimbursement for displaced low 
power stations in a separate proceeding. They argue that the issue of 
whether and how LPTV stations should be compensated is an integral part 
of the DTV allotment process and should not be deferred to a future 
proceeding. At this juncture, we do not believe that it is appropriate 
to require broadcasters to implement DTV and at the same time 
compensate secondary low power stations that are affected by this 
required implementation.\32\ We also continue to believe that 
compensation with regard to reclaimed spectrum is best addressed in 
proceedings that specifically consider the reallocation of spectrum and 
rules for new services. We note that this is consistent with our recent 
decision in our Report and Order in the channel 60-69 reallocation 
proceeding. In that proceeding we stated, however, that we will 
consider whether there are other steps that may be of benefit to LPTV 
and TV translator stations as we develop service rules for the new 
commercial spectrum.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \32\ Memorandum Opinion and Order at Section III(F)(6).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    32. Report to Congress: The Commission will send a copy of the 
Memorandum Opinion and Order, including this Supplemental FRFA, in a 
report to be sent to Congress pursuant to the Small Business Regulatory 
Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, see 5 U.S.C. Sec. 801(a)(1)(A). In 
addition, the Commission will send a copy of the Memorandum Opinion and 
Order, including the Supplemental FRFA, to the Chief Counsel for 
Advocacy of the Small Business Administration.

Ordering Clauses

    33. Ordering Clauses. In accordance with the actions described 
herein, it is ordered that part 73 of the Commission's rules is amended 
as set forth below. In addition, it is ordered that low power TV and TV 
translator stations eligible for displacement relief under the 
additional procedures adopted herein may apply for such relief at any 
time on or after the effective date of this Memorandum Opinion and 
Order. It is ordered that the rule amendments set forth herein shall be 
effective April 20, 1998. It is further ordered that the new or 
modified paperwork requirements contained in the new Section 
73.622(f)(4)(iv) of the rules (which are subject to approval by the 
Office of Management and Budget) will become effective May 19, 1998, 
following OMB approval, unless a notice is published in the Federal 
Register stating otherwise. This action is taken pursuant to authority 
contained in sections 4(i), 7, 301, 302, 303, 307 and 336 of the 
Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. sections 154(i), 157, 
301, 302, 303, 307 and 336.

List of Subjects in 47 CFR Parts 73 and 74

    Television.


[[Page 13552]]


Federal Communications Commission.
Magalie Roman Salas,
Secretary.

Rule Changes

    Parts 73 and 74 of title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations are 
amended as follows:

PART 73--RADIO BROADCAST SERVICES

    1. The authority citation for Part 73 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, 334 and 336.

    2. Section 73.622 is amended by revising paragraphs (b), (c), (d), 
(e), (f), (g) and (h) to read as follows:


Sec. 73.622  Digital television table of allotments.

* * * * *
    (b) DTV Table of Allotments.

                                 Alabama                                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anniston..............................  58                              
Bessemer..............................  18c                             
Birmingham............................  30, 36, 50, 52, *53             
Demopolis.............................  *19                             
Dothan................................  21, 36                          
Dozier................................  *59                             
Florence..............................  14, 20, *22                     
Gadsden...............................  26, 45c                         
Homewood..............................  28                              
Huntsville............................  *24, 32c, 41, 49c, 59           
Louisville............................  *44c                            
Mobile................................  9, 20, 27, *41, 47              
Montgomery............................  *14, 16, 46c, 51, 57            
Mount Cheaha..........................  *56                             
Opelika...............................  31                              
Ozark.................................  33                              
Selma.................................  55                              
Troy..................................  48                              
Tuscaloosa............................  34c                             
Tuskegee..............................  24                              
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 Alaska                                 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anchorage.............................  18, 20, 22, *24, *26, 28, 30, 32
Bethel................................  *3                              
Dillingham............................  *9                              
Fairbanks.............................  18, 22, *24, 26, 28             
Juneau................................  *6, 11                          
Ketchikan.............................  *8, 13                          
North Pole............................  20                              
Sitka.................................  2                               
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 Arizona                                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flagstaff.............................  18, 22, 27, 32                  
Green Valley..........................  47c                             
Kingman...............................  19                              
Lake Havasu City......................  32                              
Mesa..................................  36                              
Phoenix...............................  17, 20, 24, 26, *29, 31, 34c,   
                                         49, 56                         
Prescott..............................  25                              
Sierra Vista..........................  44                              
Tolleson..............................  52c                             
Tucson................................  19c, 23, 25, *28c, *30, 32, 35, 
                                         42                             
Yuma..................................  16, 41                          
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Arkansas                                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arkadelphia...........................  *46                             
El Dorado.............................  27                              
Fayetteville..........................  15, *45                         
Fort Smith............................  18, 21, 27                      
Hot Springs...........................  14                              
Jonesboro.............................  9c, *20c, 49c                   
Little Rock...........................  12c, 22, 30, 32, 43c, *47       
Mountain View.........................  *35                             
Newark................................  *27                             
Pine Bluff............................  24, 39c                         
Rogers................................  50                              
Springdale............................  39                              
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                               California                               
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anaheim...............................  32                              
Arcata................................  22                              
Bakersfield...........................  10, 25, 33, 55                  
Barstow...............................  44                              
Calipatria............................  50                              
Ceres.................................  *15c                            
Chico.................................  36, 43                          
Clovis................................  44c                             
Concord...............................  63c                             
Corona................................  39c                             
Cotati................................  *23c                            
El Centro.............................  22, 48                          
Eureka................................  *11, 16, 17, 28                 
Fort Bragg............................  15                              
Fresno................................  7, 9, 14, 16, *40               
Hanford...............................  20                              
Huntington Beach......................  *48                             
Los Angeles...........................  31c, 35c, 36, *41c, 42, 43, 53c,
                                         *59c, 60, 65c, 66              
Merced................................  38                              
Modesto...............................  18                              
Monterey..............................  31, 32                          
Novato................................  47                              
Oakland...............................  56                              
Ontario...............................  47c                             
Oxnard................................  24                              
Palm Springs..........................  46, 52                          
Paradise..............................  20                              
Porterville...........................  48c                             
Rancho Palos Verdes...................  51c                             
Redding...............................  14, *18                         
Riverside.............................  68                              
Sacramento............................  21c, 35c, 48, *53c, 55c, 61     
Salinas...............................  13, 43c                         
San Bernardino........................  *26, 38, 61c                    
San Diego.............................  18, 19, 25, *30, 40c, 55        
San Francisco.........................  19, 24, 27c, 29, *30, *33c, 39c,
                                         45c, 51, 57                    
San Jose..............................  12c, 41c, 49c, *50, 52          
San Luis Obispo.......................  15, 34c                         
San Mateo.............................  *59                             
Sanger................................  36                              
Santa Ana.............................  23c                             
Santa Barbara.........................  21, 27                          
Santa Maria...........................  19                              
Santa Rosa............................  54                              
Stockton..............................  25, 46, 62                      
Twentynine Palms......................  23                              
Vallejo...............................  34                              
Ventura...............................  49                              
Visalia...............................  28, *50c                        
Watsonville...........................  *58                             
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Colorado                                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boulder...............................  15c                             
Broomfield............................  *38                             
Castle Rock...........................  46                              
Colorado Springs......................  10, 22c, 24                     
Denver................................  16, 17, *18, 19, 32c, 34, 35,   
                                         *40, 43, 51c                   
Durango...............................  15                              
Fort Collins..........................  21                              
Glenwood Springs......................  23                              
Grand Junction........................  2, 7, 12c, 15, *17              
Longmont..............................  29                              
Montrose..............................  13                              
Pueblo................................  *26, 42                         
Steamboat Springs.....................  10                              
Sterling..............................  23                              
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                               Connecticut                              
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bridgeport............................  42, *52c                        
Hartford..............................  5, *32, 33, 46                  
New Britain...........................  35                              
New Haven.............................  6, 10, *39                      
New London............................  34                              
Norwich...............................  *45                             
Waterbury.............................  12                              
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Delaware                                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seaford...............................  *44                             
Wilmington............................  31, *55                         
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                          District of Columbia                          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Washington............................  *27c, *33c, 34, 35, 36, 39, 48, 
                                         51c                            
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 13553]]


                                 Florida                                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boca Raton............................  *44c                            
Bradenton.............................  42                              
Cape Coral............................  35                              
Clearwater............................  21                              
Clermont..............................  17                              
Cocoa.................................  *30, 51                         
Daytona Beach.........................  11, 49                          
Fort Lauderdale.......................  52c                             
Fort Myers............................  15, *31c, 53                    
Fort Pierce...........................  *38, 50                         
Fort Walton Beach.....................  25, 40, 49                      
Gainesville...........................  16, *36                         
High Springs..........................  28                              
Hollywood.............................  47                              
Jacksonville..........................  13c, 19, 32, 34, *38, 42, *44   
Key West..............................  3, 12                           
Lake Worth............................  36                              
Lakeland..............................  19                              
Leesburg..............................  40, *46c                        
Live Oak..............................  48                              
Melbourne.............................  20, 48                          
Miami.................................  8c, 9, *18c, 19, *20, 22c, 24c, 
                                         26, 30, 32, 46c                
Naples................................  41, 45                          
New Smyrna Beach......................  *33                             
Ocala.................................  31                              
Orange Park...........................  10                              
Orlando...............................  14, 22, *23, 39, 41, 58         
Palm Beach............................  49                              
Panama City...........................  19, 29c, *38, 42                
Panama City Beach.....................  47c                             
Pensacola.............................  17, *31, 34c, 45c               
Sarasota..............................  52                              
St. Petersburg........................  24, 57, 59                      
Tallahassee...........................  2, 22, *32                      
Tampa.................................  7, 12, 29c, *34, 47, *54        
Tequesta..............................  16                              
Tice..................................  33                              
Venice................................  25                              
West Palm Beach.......................  13c, *27, 28, 55                
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 Georgia                                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Albany................................  17, 30                          
Athens................................  *22, 48                         
Atlanta...............................  10, 19, 20, *21, 25, 27, 39,    
                                         *41, 43                        
Augusta...............................  30, 31, 42, 51                  
Bainbridge............................  50c                             
Baxley................................  35c                             
Brunswick.............................  24                              
Chatsworth............................  *33                             
Cochran...............................  *7                              
Columbus..............................  15, *23, 35, 47, 9              
Cordele...............................  51                              
Dalton................................  16                              
Dawson................................  *26c                            
Macon.................................  16, 40, 45, 50                  
Monroe................................  44                              
Pelham................................  *20                             
Perry.................................  32                              
Rome..................................  51                              
Savannah..............................  15, 23c, 39, *46                
Thomasville...........................  52                              
Toccoa................................  24                              
Valdosta..............................  43                              
Waycross..............................  *18                             
Wrens.................................  *36                             
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 Hawaii                                 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hilo..................................  8, 18, *19, 21, 22, 23, *31,    
                                         *39c                           
Honolulu..............................  8, *18, 19, 22, 23, 27c, 31c,   
                                         33c, 35, *39c, 40, *43         
Kailua Kona...........................  25                              
Kaneohe...............................  41                              
Lihue.................................  *7c, *12, *28c, *45             
Wailuku...............................  16c, 20, 24, *28c, 29, *30,     
                                         *34c, 36                       
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  Idaho                                 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boise.................................  *21, 26, 28                     
Caldwell..............................  10c                             
Coeur D'alene.........................  *45                             
Filer.................................  *18                             
Idaho Falls...........................  9c, 36                          
Lewiston..............................  32                              
Moscow................................  *35                             
Nampa.................................  24, 44                          
Pocaello..............................  *17, 23                         
Twin Falls............................  16, *22, 34                     
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Illinois                                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aurora................................  59                              
Bloomington...........................  28                              
Carbondale............................  *40                             
Champaign.............................  41, 48                          
Charleston............................  *50                             
Chicago...............................  3c, 19c, *21c, 27c, 29, 31, 43c,
                                         45c, *47, 52                   
Decatur...............................  18c, 22                         
East St. Louis........................  47c                             
Freeport..............................  41                              
Harrisburg............................  34                              
Jacksonville..........................  *15c                            
Joliet................................  53                              
Lasalle...............................  10                              
Macomb................................  *21                             
Marion................................  17                              
Moline................................  *23, 38                         
Mount Vernon..........................  21                              
Olney.................................  *19                             
Peoria................................  30, 39, 40, *46, 57             
Quincy................................  32, *34, 54                     
Rock Island...........................  58                              
Rockford..............................  16c, 42, 54                     
Springfield...........................  42, 44, 53                      
Urbana................................  26, *33                         
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 Indiana                                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Angola................................  12                              
Bloomington...........................  *14, 27, 53, 56                 
Elkhart...............................  58                              
Evansville............................  28, 45c, *54, 58, 59            
Fort Wayne............................  4, 19, 24, 36, *40c             
Gary..................................  *17, 51c                        
Hammond...............................  36                              
Indianapolis..........................  9c, 16, *21c, 25, *44, 45, 46   
Kokomo................................  54                              
Lafayette.............................  11                              
Marion................................  32                              
Muncie................................  52                              
Richmond..............................  39                              
Salem.................................  51c                             
South Bend............................  30, *35c, 42, 48                
Terre Haute...........................  24, 36, 39c                     
Vincennes.............................  *52                             
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  Iowa                                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ames..................................  59                              
Burlington............................  41                              
Cedar Rapids..........................  27, 47, 51, 52                  
Council Bluffs........................  *33c                            
Davenport.............................  *34, 49, 56                     
Des Moines............................  16, 19, 26, 31, *50             
Dubuque...............................  43                              
Fort Dodge............................  *25                             
Iowa City.............................  25, *45                         
Mason City............................  *18, 42                         
Ottumwa...............................  14                              
Red Oak...............................  *35                             
Sioux City............................  *28c, 30, 39, 41, 49            
Waterloo..............................  *35, 55                         
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 Kansas                                 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colby.................................  17                              
Ensign................................  5                               
Fort Scott............................  40                              
Garden City...........................  16, 18                          
Goodland..............................  14                              
Great Bend............................  22                              
Hays..................................  *16, 20                         
Hutchinson............................  19, *29, 35                     
Lakin.................................  *23                             
Lawrence..............................  36                              
Pittsburg.............................  30                              
Salina................................  17                              
Topeka................................  *23, 28c, 44, 48                
Wichita...............................  21, 26, 31, 45                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Kentucky                                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ashland...............................  *26c, 44                        
Beattyville...........................  7                               
Bowling Green.........................  16, *18, 33, *48                
Campbellsville........................  19                              
Covington.............................  *24                             
Danville..............................  4                               
Elizabethtown.........................  *43                             
Harlan................................  51                              

[[Page 13554]]

                                                                        
Hazard................................  12, *16                         
Lexington.............................  22, 40, *42, 59                 
Louisville............................  8, *17, 26, *38, 47, 49, 55     
Madisonville..........................  20c, *42                        
Morehead..............................  *15, 21                         
Murray................................  *36                             
Newport...............................  29                              
Owensboro.............................  30                              
Owenton...............................  *44                             
Paducah...............................  32, 41, 50c                     
Pikeville.............................  *24                             
Somerset..............................  *14                             
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Louisiana                               
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alexandria............................  *26c, 32c, 35                   
Baton Rouge...........................  *25, 34c, 42, 45c, 46           
Columbia..............................  57                              
Lafayette.............................  16c, *23, 28, 56                
Lake Charles..........................  8c,*20, 30c                     
Monroe................................  *19, 55                         
New Orleans...........................  *11, 14, 15, 29, 30, *31, 40,   
                                         43, 50c                        
Shreveport............................  17, *25c, 28, 34c, 44           
Slidell...............................  24                              
West Monroe...........................  36, 38                          
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  Maine                                 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Augusta...............................  *17                             
Bangor................................  14, 19, 25                      
Biddeford.............................  *45                             
Calais................................  *15                             
Lewiston..............................  28                              
Orono.................................  *22                             
Poland Spring.........................  46                              
Portland..............................  4, 38, 44                       
Presque Isle..........................  16, *20                         
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Maryland                                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annapolis.............................  *42                             
Baltimore.............................  *29, 38, 40, 41, 46c, 52, 59    
Frederick.............................  *28                             
Hagerstown............................  16, *44, 55                     
Oakland...............................  *54                             
Salisbury.............................  21, 53, *56                     
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Massachusetts                             
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adams.................................  36                              
Boston................................  *19, 20, 30, 31, 32, 39c, 42,   
                                         *43                            
Cambridge.............................  41                              
Lawrence..............................  18                              
Marlborough...........................  23                              
New Bedford...........................  22, 49                          
Norwell...............................  52                              
Springfield...........................  11, 55, *58c                    
Vineyard Haven........................  40                              
Worcester.............................  29c, *47                        
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Michigan                                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alpena................................  13, *57                         
Ann Arbor.............................  33                              
Bad Axe...............................  *15                             
Battle Creek..........................  20, 44c                         
Bay City..............................  22                              
Cadillac..............................  40, 47, *58                     
Calumet...............................  18                              
Cheboygan.............................  14                              
Detroit...............................  14, 21c, 41, *43, 44, 45, 58    
East Lansing..........................  *55c                            
Escanaba..............................  48                              
Flint.................................  16, 36, *52                     
Grand Rapids..........................  7, *11, 19, 39                  
Iron Mountain.........................  22                              
Jackson...............................  34                              
Kalamazoo.............................  2, *5, 45                       
Lansing...............................  38, 51c, 59                     
Manistee..............................  *17                             
Marquette.............................  *33, 3                          
Mount Clemens.........................  39c                             
Mount Pleasant........................  *56                             
Muskegon..............................  24                              
Onondaga..............................  57                              
Saginaw...............................  30, 48                          
Sault Ste. Marie......................  49, 56                          
Traverse City.........................  31, 50                          
University Center.....................  *18                             
Vanderbilt............................  59                              
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Minnesota                               
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alexandria............................  14, 24                          
Appleton..............................  *31                             
Austin................................  *20, 33                         
Bemidji...............................  *18                             
Brainerd..............................  *28                             
Crookston.............................  *16                             
Duluth................................  17, 33, *38, 43                 
Hibbing...............................  36                              
Mankato...............................  38                              
Minneapolis...........................  21, 22, *26, 32, 35, *44        
Redwood Falls.........................  27                              
Rochester.............................  36, 46                          
St. Cloud.............................  40                              
St. Paul..............................  *16, *34, 50                    
Thief River Falls.....................  57                              
Walker................................  20                              
Worthington...........................  *15                             
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                               Mississippi                              
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Biloxi................................  *16, 39                         
Booneville............................  *55                             
Bude..................................  *18c                            
Columbus..............................  35                              
Greenville............................  17                              
Greenwood.............................  *25, 54                         
Gulfport..............................  48                              
Hattiesburg...........................  58                              
Holly Springs.........................  41c                             
Jackson...............................  *20, 21, 41c, 51, 52            
Laurel................................  28                              
Meridian..............................  26, 31c, *44, 49                
Mississippi State.....................  *38                             
Natchez...............................  49c                             
Oxford................................  *36                             
Tupelo................................  57                              
West Point............................  16                              
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Missouri                                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cape Girardeau........................  22, 57                          
Columbia..............................  22, 36                          
Hannibal..............................  29                              
Jefferson City........................  12, 20                          
Joplin................................  *25, 43, 46                     
Kansas City...........................  14, *18, 24, 31, 34, 42c, 47,   
                                         51c                            
Kirksville............................  33                              
Poplar Bluff..........................  18                              
Sedalia...............................  15                              
Springfield...........................  19, *23, 28c, 44, 52            
St. Joseph............................  21, 53                          
St. Louis.............................  14, 26, 31c, 35, *39, 43, 56    
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 Montana                                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Billings..............................  11, 17, 18                      
Bozeman...............................  16, *20                         
Butte.................................  2, 15, 19c                      
Glendive..............................  15                              
Great Falls...........................  39, 44, 45                      
Hardin................................  22                              
Helena................................  14, 29                          
Kalispell.............................  38                              
Miles City............................  13                              
Missoula..............................  *27, 35, 36, 40                 
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Nebraska                                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Albion................................  23                              
Alliance..............................  *24                             
Bassett...............................  *15                             
Grand Island..........................  19, 32                          
Hastings..............................  *14, 21                         
Hayes Center..........................  18                              
Kearney...............................  36                              
Lexington.............................  *26                             
Lincoln...............................  25, 31, *40                     
McCook................................  12                              
Merriman..............................  *17                             
Norfolk...............................  *16                             
North Platte..........................  *16, 22                         
Omaha.................................  *17, 20, 22, 38, 43c, 45        
Scottsbluff...........................  20, 29                          
Superior..............................  34                              
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 13555]]


                                 Nevada                                 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Elko..................................  8                               
Henderson.............................  24                              
Las Vegas.............................  2, 7, *11c, 16c, 17, 22c, 29    
Paradise..............................  40c                             
Reno..................................  *15, 22c, 23, 26, 32, 34, 44    
Winnemucca............................  12                              
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              New Hampshire                             
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Berlin................................  *15                             
Concord...............................  33                              
Derry.................................  35                              
Durham................................  *57                             
Keene.................................  *49c                            
Littleton.............................  *48                             
Manchester............................  59c                             
Merrimack.............................  34                              
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                               New Jersey                               
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Atlantic City.........................  46, 49                          
Burlington............................  27                              
Camden................................  *22                             
Linden................................  36                              
Montclair.............................  *51c                            
New Brunswick.........................  *18c                            
Newark................................  53c, 61                         
Newton................................  8c                              
Paterson..............................  40                              
Secaucus..............................  38                              
Trenton...............................  *43                             
Vineland..............................  66c                             
West Milford..........................  *29                             
Wildwood..............................  36                              
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                               New Mexico                               
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Albuquerque...........................  16, *17, 21, 24c, *25, 26, 42c, 
                                         51c                            
Carlsbad..............................  19                              
Clovis................................  20                              
Farmington............................  8, 17                           
Hobbs.................................  16                              
Las Cruces............................  *23c, 36                        
Portales..............................  *32                             
Roswell...............................  28c, 35, 41                     
Santa Fe..............................  10, 27, 29                      
Silver City...........................  12                              
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                New York                                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Albany................................  4, 15, 26                       
Amsterdam.............................  50                              
Batavia...............................  53                              
Binghamton............................  4, 7, 8, *42c                   
Buffalo...............................  14, *32, 33, 34, 38, 39, *43    
Carthage..............................  35                              
Corning...............................  50                              
Elmira................................  2, 55                           
Garden City...........................  *22c                            
Jamestown.............................  27c                             
Kingston..............................  21                              
New York..............................  *24, 28, 30, 33, 44, 45, 56c    
North Pole............................  14                              
Norwood...............................  *23                             
Plattsburgh...........................  *38                             
Poughkeepsie..........................  27                              
Riverhead.............................  57                              
Rochester.............................  *16, 28, 45, 58, 59             
Schenectady...........................  *34, 39, 43                     
Smithtown.............................  23                              
Springville...........................  46                              
Syracuse..............................  17, 19c, *25c, 44c, 47, 54      
Utica.................................  27, 29, 30                      
Watertown.............................  21c, *41                        
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                             North Carolina                             
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asheville.............................  *25, 45, 56, 57                 
Belmont...............................  47c                             
Burlington............................  14                              
Chapel Hill...........................  *59                             
Charlotte.............................  22, 23, *24, 27, 34             
Columbia..............................  *20                             
Concord...............................  *44                             
Durham................................  27, 52                          
Fayetteville..........................  36, 38                          
Goldsboro.............................  55                              
Greensboro............................  33, 43, 51                      
Greenville............................  10c, 21, *23                    
Hickory...............................  40                              
High Point............................  35                              
Jacksonville..........................  34, *44                         
Kannapolis............................  50                              
Lexington.............................  19                              
Linville..............................  *54                             
Lumberton.............................  *25                             
Morehead City.........................  24                              
New Bern..............................  48                              
Raleigh...............................  49, 53, 57                      
Roanoke Rapids........................  *39                             
Rocky Mount...........................  15                              
Washington............................  32                              
Wilmington............................  *29, 30, 46, 54                 
Wilson................................  42                              
Winston-Salem.........................  29, 31, *32                     
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              North Dakota                              
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bismarck..............................  16, *22, 23, 31                 
Devils Lake...........................  *25, 59                         
Dickinson.............................  18, 19, *20                     
Ellendale.............................  *20c                            
Fargo.................................  19, 21, *23, 58                 
Grand Forks...........................  *56                             
Jamestown.............................  14                              
Minot.................................  15c, 45, *57, 58                
Pembina...............................  15                              
Valley City...........................  38                              
Williston.............................  14, *51, 52                     
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  Ohio                                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Akron.................................  30, *50c, 59                    
Alliance..............................  *46c                            
Athens................................  *27                             
Bowling Green.........................  *56                             
Cambridge.............................  *35                             
Canton................................  39, 47                          
Chillicothe...........................  46                              
Cincinnati............................  10c, 31, 33, *34, 35            
Cleveland.............................  2, 15, *26c, 31, 34             
Columbus..............................  13, 14, 21, 36, *38             
Dayton................................  30, 41, 50, 51, *58             
Lima..................................  20, 47                          
Lorain................................  28                              
Mansfield.............................  12                              
Newark................................  24                              
Oxford................................  *28                             
Portsmouth............................  17, *43c                        
Sandusky..............................  42c                             
Shaker Heights........................  10                              
Springfield...........................  18                              
Steubenville..........................  57                              
Toledo................................  5, 17, 19c, *29, 46, 49c        
Youngstown............................  20c, 36, 41                     
Zanesville............................  40                              
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Oklahoma                                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ada...................................  26                              
Bartlesville..........................  15                              
Cheyenne..............................  *8                              
Claremore.............................  *36c                            
Enid..................................  18                              
Eufaula...............................  *31                             
Lawton................................  23                              
Oklahoma City.........................  15c, 16, 24, 27, *32, 33, 39,   
                                         42, 50, 51                     
Okmulgee..............................  28                              
Shawnee...............................  29                              
Tulsa.................................  22, *38, 42c, 48c, 49, 55, 56,  
                                         58                             
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 Oregon                                 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bend..................................  *11, 18                         
Coos Bay..............................  21, 22                          
Corvallis.............................  *39                             
Eugene................................  14, 17c, 25, *29c, 31           
Klamath Falls.........................  29, *33, 40                     
La Grande.............................  *5                              
Medford...............................  15, 27c, 35, 38, *42            
Pendleton.............................  8                               
Portland..............................  *27, 30, 40, 43, 45, 6          
Roseburg..............................  18, 19, 45                      
Salem.................................  20, 33c                         
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Pennsylvania                              
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allentown.............................  46, *62c                        
Altoona...............................  24c, 32, 46                     
Bethlehem.............................  59c                             
Clearfield............................  *15                             
Erie..................................  16, 22, *50, 52, 58             
Greensburg............................  50                              
Harrisburg............................  4, *36, 57                      

[[Page 13556]]

                                                                        
Hazleton..............................  9                               
Johnstown.............................  29, 30, 34                      
Lancaster.............................  23, 58                          
Philadelphia..........................  26, 32, *34, 42, 54, 64c, 67    
Pittsburgh............................  25c, *26c, *38, 42, 43, 48, 51  
Reading...............................  25                              
Red Lion..............................  30                              
Scranton..............................  13, 31, 32, *41, 49             
Wilkes-Barre..........................  11                              
Williamsport..........................  29                              
York..................................  47                              
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Rhode Island                              
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Block Island..........................  17c                             
Providence............................  13c, *21, 51, 54c               
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                             South Carolina                             
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allendale.............................  *33                             
Anderson..............................  14                              
Beaufort..............................  *44                             
Charleston............................  35, 40, *49, 52, 53, 59         
Columbia..............................  8, 17, *32, 41, 48              
Conway................................  *58                             
Florence..............................  16c, 20, *45, 56                
Greenville............................  *9, 35, 59                      
Greenwood.............................  *18                             
Hardeeville...........................  27                              
Myrtle Beach..........................  18                              
Rock Hill.............................  15, 39                          
Spartanburg...........................  43, 53                          
Sumter................................  *28c, 38                        
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              South Dakota                              
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aberdeen..............................  *17c, 28                        
Brookings.............................  *18                             
Eagle Butte...........................  *25                             
Florence..............................  25                              
Huron.................................  22                              
Lead..................................  29, 30                          
Lowry.................................  *15                             
Martin................................  *23                             
Mitchell..............................  26                              
Pierre................................  19, *21                         
Rapid City............................  16c, 18, 22, *26                
Reliance..............................  14                              
Sioux Falls...........................  7, *24c, 29, 32, 40, 47c        
Vermillion............................  *34                             
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Tennessee                               
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chattanooga...........................  *29, 35, 40, 47, 55             
Cleveland.............................  42                              
Cookeville............................  36, *52                         
Crossville............................  50                              
Greeneville...........................  38                              
Hendersonville........................  51c                             
Jackson...............................  39, 43                          
Jellico...............................  23                              
Johnson City..........................  58                              
Kingsport.............................  27                              
Knoxville.............................  *17, 26, 30, 31, 34             
Lebanon...............................  44                              
Lexington.............................  *47                             
Memphis...............................  25c, 28, *29c, 31c, 51c, 52, 53 
Murfreesboro..........................  38                              
Nashville.............................  10, 15, 21, 23, 27, *46, 56     
Sneedville............................  *41                             
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  Texas                                 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abilene...............................  24, 29                          
Alvin.................................  36                              
Amarillo..............................  9, 15c, 19, *21, 23             
Arlington.............................  42                              
Austin................................  21, *22, 33, 43c, 49, 56        
Baytown...............................  41                              
Beaumont..............................  21, *33, 50                     
Belton................................  47c                             
Big Spring............................  33                              
Brownsville...........................  24c                             
Bryan.................................  29c, 59                         
College Station.......................  *12                             
Conroe................................  5, 42                           
Corpus Christi........................  18, *23, 27, 47, 50             
Dallas................................  9c, *14, 32, 35, 36, 40c, 45    
Decatur...............................  30c                             
Del Rio...............................  28                              
Denton................................  *43                             
Eagle Pass............................  18                              
El Paso...............................  15c, 16, 17, 18, 25, *30, *39c, 
                                         51                             
Fort Worth............................  18, 19, 41, 51                  
Galveston.............................  *23c, 47                        
Garland...............................  24c                             
Greenville............................  46                              
Harlingen.............................  31, *34, 38                     
Houston...............................  *9c, 19, *24, 27c, 31, 32, 35,  
                                         38, 44c                        
Irving................................  48                              
Jacksonville..........................  22                              
Katy..................................  52c                             
Kerrville.............................  32                              
Killeen...............................  23                              
Lake Dallas...........................  54                              
Laredo................................  14, 15, 19                      
Llano.................................  27                              
Longview..............................  52c                             
Lubbock...............................  25, 27, 35c, 38, *39, 43        
Lufkin................................  43                              
McAllen...............................  46                              
Midland...............................  26                              
Nacogdoches...........................  18                              
Odessa................................  15, *22, 23, 31, 43c            
Port Arthur...........................  40                              
Rio Grande City.......................  20                              
Rosenberg.............................  46c                             
San Angelo............................  11, 16, 19                      
San Antonio...........................  *16, *20, 30c, 38, 39, 48, 55,  
                                         58                             
Sherman...............................  20                              
Snyder................................  10                              
Sweetwater............................  20                              
Temple................................  50                              
Texarkana.............................  15                              
Tyler.................................  38                              
Victoria..............................  15, 34                          
Waco..................................  *20, 26c, 53, 57                
Weslaco...............................  13                              
Wichita Falls.........................  15, 22, 28                      
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  Utah                                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cedar City............................  14                              
Ogden.................................  29, *34                         
Provo.................................  17c, *39                        
Salt Lake City........................  27, 28, 35, 38, 40, *42         
St. George............................  9                               
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 Vermont                                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Burlington............................  16, *32, 43, 53                 
Hartford..............................  25                              
Rutland...............................  *56                             
St. Johnsbury.........................  *18                             
Windsor...............................  *24                             
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Virginia                                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arlington.............................  15c                             
Ashland...............................  47                              
Bristol...............................  28                              
Charlottesville.......................  *14, 32                         
Danville..............................  41                              
Fairfax...............................  *57c                            
Front Royal...........................  *21                             
Goldvein..............................  *30                             
Grundy................................  49                              
Hampton...............................  41                              
Hampton-Norfolk.......................  *16c                            
Harrisonburg..........................  49                              
Lynchburg.............................  20, 56                          
Manassas..............................  43c                             
Marion................................  *42                             
Norfolk...............................  38, 46, 58                      
Norton................................  *32                             
Petersburg............................  22c                             
Portsmouth............................  19, 31                          
Richmond..............................  *24c, 25, 26, *44, 54           
Roanoke...............................  *3, 17, 18, 30, 36              
Staunton..............................  *11                             
Virginia Beach........................  29                              
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                               Washington                               
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bellevue..............................  32, 50                          
Bellingham............................  19, 35                          
Centralia.............................  *19                             
Everett...............................  31                              
Kennewick.............................  44                              
Pasco.................................  18                              
Pullman...............................  *17                             
Richland..............................  26c, *38                        
Seattle...............................  25, 38, 39, *41, 44, 48         

[[Page 13557]]

                                                                        
Spokane...............................  13, 15, 20, 30, 36, *39         
Tacoma................................  14, 18, *27, 36, *42            
Vancouver.............................  48                              
Wenatchee.............................  46c                             
Yakima................................  14, 16, *21, 33                 
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              West Virginia                             
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bluefield.............................  14, 46                          
Charleston............................  19, 39, 41                      
Clarksburg............................  28, 52                          
Grandview.............................  *53                             
Huntington............................  23, *34c, 54                    
Lewisburg.............................  48                              
Martinsburg...........................  12                              
Morgantown............................  *33                             
Oak Hill..............................  50                              
Parkersburg...........................  49                              
Weston................................  58                              
Wheeling..............................  32                              
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Wisconsin                               
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appleton..............................  59                              
Chippewa Falls........................  49c                             
Eagle River...........................  28                              
Eau Claire............................  15, 39                          
Fond Du Lac...........................  44                              
Green Bay.............................  23, 41, *42, 51, 56             
Janesville............................  32                              
Kenosha...............................  40                              
La Crosse.............................  14, 17, *30, 53                 
Madison...............................  11, 19, *20, 26, 50             
Manitowoc.............................  19                              
Mayville..............................  43                              
Menomonie.............................  *27                             
Milwaukee.............................  *8, 22, 25c, 28, 33, 34, *35,   
                                         46, 61                         
Park Falls............................  *47                             
Racine................................  48                              
Rhinelander...........................  16                              
Superior..............................  19                              
Suring................................  21                              
Wausau................................  *24, 29, 40                     
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 Wyoming                                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Casper................................  15c, 17, 18                     
Cheyenne..............................  11, 28c, 30                     
Jackson...............................  14                              
Lander................................  7, *8                           
Rawlins...............................  9                               
Riverton..............................  16                              
Rock Springs..........................  21                              
Sheridan..............................  21                              
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  Guam                                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agana.................................  2, 4, 5                         
Tamuning..............................  17                              
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                               Puerto Rico                              
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aguada................................  62                              
Aguadilla.............................  17c, *34, 69                    
Arecibo...............................  53, 61c                         
Bayamon...............................  59c                             
Caguas................................  56, *57                         
Carolina..............................  51                              
Fajardo...............................  *16c, 33                        
Guayama...............................  45                              
Humacao...............................  49                              
Mayaguez..............................  23c, 29c, 35c, 63               
Naranjito.............................  65c                             
Ponce.................................  15c, 19, *25, 43c, 47, 66       
San Juan..............................  21, 27c, 28, 31c, 32, *55c      
San Sebastian.........................  39c                             
Yauco.................................  41c                             
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                             Virgin Islands                             
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Community                           Channel No.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charlotte Amalie......................  *44, 48, 50                     
Christiansted.........................  5, 20                           
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (c) Availability of channels. Applications may be filed to 
construct DTV broadcast stations only on the channels designated in the 
DTV Table of Allotments set forth in paragraph (b) of this section, and 
only in the communities listed therein. Applications that fail to 
comply with this requirement, whether or not accompanied by a petition 
to amend the DTV Table, will not be accepted for filing. However, 
applications specifying channels that accord with publicly announced 
FCC Orders changing the DTV Table of Allotments will be accepted for 
filing even if such applications are tendered before the effective 
dates of such channel change. An application for authority to construct 
a DTV station on an allotment in the initial DTV table may only be 
filed by the licensee or permittee of the analog TV station with which 
that initial allotment is paired, as set forth in Appendix B of the 
Memorandum Opinion and Order on Reconsideration of the Sixth Report and 
Order in MM Docket 87-268, FCC 98-24 (Memorandum Opinion and Order) 
adopted January 29, 1998. Copies of the Memorandum Opinion and Order 
may be inspected during normal business hours at the: Federal 
Communications Commission, 1919 M St., N.W., Dockets Branch (Room 239), 
Washington, DC, 20554. This document is also available through the 
Internet on the FCC Home Page at http://www.fcc.gov. Applications may 
also be filed to implement an exchange of channel allotments between 
two or more licensees or permittees of analog TV stations in the same 
community, the same market, or in adjacent markets provided, however, 
that the other requirements of this section and Sec. 73.623 are met 
with respect to each such application.
    (d) Reference points and distance computations.
    (1) The reference coordinates of a DTV allotment included in the 
initial DTV Table of Allotments are the coordinates of the authorized 
transmitting antenna site of the associated analog TV station, as set 
forth in Appendix B of the Memorandum Opinion and Order (referenced 
above). An application for authority to construct or modify DTV 
facilities on such an allotment may specify an alternate location for 
the DTV transmitting antenna that is within 5 kilometers of the DTV 
allotment reference coordinates without consideration of 
electromagnetic interference to other DTV or analog TV broadcast 
stations, allotments or applications, provided the application complies 
with paragraph (f)(2) of this section. Location of the transmitting 
antenna of such a station at a site more than 5 kilometers from the DTV 
allotment reference coordinates must comply with the provisions of 
section 73.623(c). In the case where a DTV station has been granted 
authority to construct more than 5 kilometers from its reference 
coordinates pursuant to section 73.623(c), and its authorized coverage 
area extends in any azimuthal direction beyond the DTV coverage area 
determined for the DTV allotment reference facilities, then the 
coordinates of such authorized site are to be used in addition to the 
coordinates of the DTV allotment to determine protection from new DTV 
allotments pursuant to Sec. 73.623(d) and from subsequent DTV 
applications filed pursuant to Sec. 73.623(c).
    (2) The reference coordinates of a DTV allotment not included in 
the initial DTV Table of Allotments shall be the authorized transmitter 
site, or, where such a transmitter site is not available for use as a 
reference point, the coordinates as designated in the FCC order 
modifying the DTV Table of Allotments.
    (e) DTV Service Areas.
    (1) The service area of a DTV station is the geographic area within 
the station's noise-limited F(50,90) contour where its signal strength 
is predicted to exceed the noise-limited service level. The noise-
limited contour is the area in

[[Page 13558]]

which the predicted F(50,90) field strength of the stations's signal, 
in dB above 1 microvolt per meter (dBu) as determined using the method 
in section 73.625(d), exceeds the following levels (these are the 
levels at which reception of DTV service is limited by noise):

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   dBu  
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Channels 2-6...................................................       28
Channels 7-13..................................................       36
Channels 14-69.................................................       41
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Within this contour, service is considered available at locations 
where the station's signal strength, as predicted using the terrain 
dependent Longley-Rice point-to-point propagation model, exceeds the 
levels above. Guidance for evaluating coverage areas using the Longley-
Rice methodology is provided in OET Bulletin No. 69. Copies of OET 
Bulletin No. 69 may be inspected during normal business hours at the: 
Federal Communications Commission, 1919 M St., N.W., Dockets Branch 
(Room 239), Washington, DC, 20554. This document is also available 
through the Internet on the FCC Home Page at http://www.fcc.gov.

    Note to paragraph (e)(1): During the transition, in cases where 
the assigned power of a UHF DTV station in the initial DTV Table is 
1000 kW, the Grade B contour of the associated analog television 
station, as authorized on April 3, 1997, shall be used instead of 
the noise-limited contour of the DTV station in determining the DTV 
station's service area. In such cases, the DTV service area is the 
geographic area within the station's analog Grade B contour where 
its DTV signal strength is predicted to exceed the noise-limited 
service level, i.e. 41 dB, as determined using the Longley-Rice 
methodology.

    (2) For purposes of determining whether interference is caused to a 
DTV station's service area, the maximum technical facilities, i.e., 
antenna height above average terrain (antenna HAAT) and effective 
radiated power (ERP), specified for the station's allotment are to be 
used in determining its service area.
    (f) DTV maximum power and antenna heights.
    (1) The maximum, or reference, effective radiated power (ERP) and 
antenna height above average terrain (antenna HAAT) for an allotment 
included in the initial DTV Table of Allotments are set forth in 
Appendix B of the Memorandum Opinion and Order (referenced in paragraph 
(c) of this section). In each azimuthal direction, the reference ERP 
value is based on the antenna HAAT of the corresponding analog TV 
station and achieving predicted coverage equal to that analog TV 
station's predicted Grade B contour, as defined in section 73.683.
    (2) An application for authority to construct or modify DTV 
facilities will not be subject to further consideration of 
electromagnetic interference to other DTV or analog TV broadcast 
stations, allotments or applications, provided that:
    (i) The proposed ERP in each azimuthal direction is equal to or 
less than the reference ERP in that direction; and
    (ii) The proposed antenna HAAT is equal to or less than the 
reference antenna HAAT or the proposed antenna HAAT exceeds the 
reference antenna HAAT by 10 meters or less and the reference ERP in 
paragraph (f)(2)(i) of this section is adjusted in accordance with 
paragraph (f)(3) of this section; and
    (iii) The application complies with the location provisions in 
paragraph (d)(1) of this section.
    (3)(i) A DTV station may increase its antenna HAAT by up to 10 
meters from that specified in Appendix B if it reduces its DTV power to 
a level at or below the level of adjusted DTV power computed in the 
following formula:

ERP adjustment in dB = 20log(H1/H2)
Where H1 = Reference antenna HAAT specified in the DTV 
Table, and H2 = Actual antenna HAAT

    (ii) Alternatively, a DTV application that specifies an antenna 
HAAT within 25 meters below that specified in Appendix B may adjust its 
power upward to a level at or below the adjusted DTV power in 
accordance with the formula in paragraph (f)(3)(i) of this section 
without an interference showing. For a proposed antenna more than 25 
meters below the reference antenna HAAT, the DTV station may increase 
its ERP up to the level permitted for operation with an antenna that is 
25 meters below the station's reference antenna HAAT.
    (4) UHF DTV stations may request an increase in power, up to a 
maximum of 1000 kW ERP, to enhance service within their authorized 
service area through use of antenna beam tilting in excess of 1 degree, 
as follows:
    (i) Field strengths at the outer edge of the station's service area 
shall be no greater than the levels that would exist if the station 
were operating at its assigned DTV power.
    (ii) Where a station operates at higher power under the provisions 
of this paragraph, its field strengths at the edge of its service area 
are to be calculated assuming 1 dB of additional antenna gain over the 
antenna gain pattern specified by the manufacturer.
    (iii) Where a first adjacent channel DTV station or allotment is 
located closer than 110 km or a first adjacent channel analog TV 
station is located closer than 106 km from the proposed transmitter 
site, the application must be accompanied by a technical showing that 
the proposed operation complies with the technical criteria in 
Sec. 73.623(c) and thereby will not result in new interference 
exceeding the de minimis standard for new interference set forth in 
that section, or statements from affected stations agreeing to the 
proposed operation in accordance with Sec. 73.623(f).
    (iv) A licensee desiring to operate at higher power under these 
provisions shall submit, with its initial application for a DTV 
construction permit or subsequent application to modify its DTV 
facilities, an engineering analysis demonstrating that the predicted 
field strengths and predicted interference within its service area 
would comport with the requirements of this paragraph. The licensee 
also must notify, by certified mail, all stations that could 
potentially be affected by such operation at the time the station files 
its application for a construction permit or modification of 
facilities. Potentially affected stations to be notified include 
stations on co-channel and first-adjacent channel allotments that are 
located at distances less than the minimum geographic spacing 
requirements in Sec. 73.623(d)(2). For example, in Zone I a co-channel 
DTV station within 196.3 km or a first-adjacent channel DTV station 
within 110 km must be notified. A station that believes that its 
service is being affected beyond the de minimis standard set forth in 
Sec. 73.623(c) may file an informal objection with the Commission. Such 
an informal objection shall include an engineering analysis 
demonstrating that additional impermissible interference would occur. 
The Commission may condition grant of authority to operate at increased 
power pursuant to this provision on validation of actual performance 
through field measurements.
    (5) Licensees and permittees assigned a DTV channel in the initial 
DTV Table of Allotments may request an increase in either ERP in some 
azimuthal direction or antenna HAAT, or both, that exceed the initial 
technical facilities specified for the allotment in Appendix B of the 
Memorandum Opinion and Order (referenced in paragraph (c) of this 
section), up to the maximum permissible limits on DTV power and antenna 
height set forth in paragraph (f)(6), (f)(7), or (f)(8) of this 
section, as appropriate, or up to that needed to provide the same 
geographic coverage area as the largest station within their market, 
whichever would

[[Page 13559]]

allow the largest service area. Such requests must be accompanied by a 
technical showing that the increase complies with the technical 
criteria in Sec. 73.623(c), and thereby will not result in new 
interference exceeding the de minimis standard set forth in that 
section, or statements agreeing to the change from any co-channel or 
adjacent channel stations that might be affected by potential new 
interference, in accordance with Sec. 73.623(f). In the case where a 
DTV station has been granted authority to construct pursuant to 
Sec. 73.623(c), and its authorized coverage area extends in any 
azimuthal direction beyond the DTV coverage area determined for the DTV 
allotment reference facilities, then the authorized DTV facilities are 
to be used in addition to the assumed facilities of the initial DTV 
allotment to determine protection from new DTV allotments pursuant to 
Sec. 73.623(d) and from subsequent DTV applications filed pursuant to 
Sec. 73.623(c). The provisions of this paragraph regarding increases in 
the ERP or antenna height of DTV stations on channels in the initial 
DTV Table of Allotments shall also apply in cases where the licensee or 
permittee seeks to change the station's channel as well as alter its 
ERP and antenna HAAT. Licensees and permittees are advised that where a 
channel change is requested, it may, in fact, be necessary in specific 
cases for the station to operate with reduced power, a lower antenna, 
or a directional antenna to avoid causing new interference to another 
station.
    (6) A DTV station that operates on a channel 2-6 allotment created 
subsequent to the initial DTV Table will be allowed a maximum ERP of 10 
kW if its antenna HAAT is at or below 305 meters and it is located in 
Zone I or a maximum ERP of 45 kW if its antenna HAAT is at or below 305 
meters and it is located in Zone II or Zone III. A DTV station that 
operates on a channel 2-6 allotment included in the initial DTV Table 
of Allotments may request an increase in power and/or antenna HAAT up 
to these maximum levels, provided the increase also complies with the 
provisions of paragraph (f)(5) of this section.
    (i) At higher HAAT levels, such DTV stations will be allowed to 
operate with lower maximum ERP levels in accordance with the following 
table and formulas (the allowable maximum ERP for intermediate values 
of HAAT is determined using linear interpolation based on the units 
employed in the table):

Maximum Allowable ERP and Antenna Height for DTV Stations In Zones II or
                           III on Channels 2-6                          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Antenna HAAT (meters)                       ERP (kW) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
610........................................................           10
580........................................................           11
550........................................................           12
520........................................................           14
490........................................................           16
460........................................................           19
425........................................................           22
395........................................................           26
365........................................................           31
335........................................................           37
305........................................................           45
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ii) For DTV stations located in Zone I that operate on channels 2-
6 with an HAAT that exceeds 305 meters, the allowable maximum ERP 
expressed in decibels above 1 kW (dBk) is determined using the 
following formula, with HAAT expressed in meters:

ERPmax=92.57-33.24*log10(HAAT)

    (iii) For DTV stations located in Zone II or III that operate on 
channels 2-6 with an HAAT that exceeds 610 meters, the allowable 
maximum ERP expressed in decibels above 1 kW (dBk) is determined using 
the following formula, with HAAT expressed in meters:

    ERPmax=57.57-17.08*log10(HAAT)

    (7) A DTV station that operates on a channel 7-13 allotment created 
subsequent to the initial DTV Table will be allowed a maximum ERP of 30 
kW if its antenna HAAT is at or below 305 meters and it is located in 
Zone I or a maximum ERP of 160 kW if its antenna HAAT is at or below 
305 meters and it is located in Zone II or Zone III. A DTV station that 
operates on a channel 7-13 allotment included in the initial DTV Table 
of Allotments may request an increase in power and/or antenna HAAT up 
to these maximum levels, provided the increase also complies with the 
provisions of paragraph (f)(5) of this section.
    (i) At higher HAAT levels, such DTV stations will be allowed to 
operate with lower maximum ERP levels in accordance with the following 
table and formulas (the allowable maximum ERP for intermediate values 
of HAAT is determined using linear interpolation based on the units 
employed in the table):

Maximum Allowable ERP and Antenna Height for DTV Stations In Zones II or
                          III on Channels 7-13                          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Antenna HAAT (meters)                       ERP (kW) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
610........................................................           30
580........................................................           34
550........................................................           40
520........................................................           47
490........................................................           54
460........................................................           64
425........................................................           76
395........................................................           92
365........................................................          110
335........................................................          132
305........................................................          160
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ii) For DTV stations located in Zone I that operate on channels 7-
13 with an HAAT that exceeds 305 meters, the allowable maximum ERP 
expressed in decibels above 1 kW (dBk) is determined using the 
following formula, with HAAT expressed in meters:

ERPmax=97.35-33.24*log10(HAAT)

    (iii) For DTV stations located in Zone II or III that operate on 
channels 7-13 with an HAAT that exceeds 610 meters, the allowable 
maximum ERP expressed in decibels above 1 kW (dBk) is determined using 
the following formula, with HAAT expressed in meters:

ERPmax=62.34-17.08*log10(HAAT)

    (8) A DTV station that operates on a channel 14-59 allotment 
created subsequent to the initial DTV Table will be allowed a maximum 
ERP of 1000 kW if their antenna HAAT is at or below 365 meters. A DTV 
station that operates on a channel 14-59 allotment included in the 
initial DTV Table of Allotments may request an increase in power and/or 
antenna HAAT up to these maximum levels, provided the increase also 
complies with the provisions of paragraph (f)(5) of this section.
    (i) At higher HAAT levels, such DTV stations will be allowed to 
operates with lower maximum ERP levels in accordance with the following 
table and formulas (the allowable maximum ERP for intermediate values 
of HAAT is determined using linear interpolation based on the units 
employed in the table):

Maximum Allowable ERP and Antenna Height for DTV Stations on Channels 14-
                              59, All Zones                             
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Antenna HAAT (meters)                       ERP (kW) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
610........................................................          316
580........................................................          350
550........................................................          400
520........................................................          460
490........................................................          540

[[Page 13560]]

                                                                        
460........................................................          630
425........................................................          750
395........................................................          900
365........................................................         1000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ii) For DTV stations located in Zone I, II or III that operate on 
channels 14-59 with an HAAT that exceeds 610 meters, the allowable 
maximum ERP expressed in decibels above 1 kW (dBk) is determined using 
the following formula, with HAAT expressed in meters:

ERPmax=72.57-17.08*log10(HAAT)

    (g) DTV stations operating on channels above an analog TV station.
    (1) DTV stations operating on a channel allotment designated with a 
``c'' in paragraph (b) of this section must maintain the pilot carrier 
frequency of the DTV signal 5.082138 MHz above the visual carrier 
frequency of any analog TV broadcast station that operates on the lower 
adjacent channel and is located within 88 kilometers. This frequency 
difference must be maintained within a tolerance of 3 Hz.
    (2) Unless it conflicts with operation complying with paragraph 
(g)(1) of this section, where a low power television station or TV 
translator station is operating on the lower adjacent channel within 32 
km of the DTV station and notifies the DTV station that it intends to 
minimize interference by precisely maintaining its carrier frequencies, 
the DTV station shall cooperate in locking its carrier frequency to a 
common reference frequency and shall be responsible for any costs 
relating to its own transmission system in complying with this 
provision.
    (h)(1) The power level of emissions on frequencies outside the 
authorized channel of operation must be attenuated no less than the 
following amounts below the average transmitted power within the 
authorized channel. In the first 500 kHz from the channel edge the 
emissions must be attenuated no less than 47 dB. More than 6 MHz from 
the channel edge, emissions must be attenuated no less than 110 dB. At 
any frequency between 0.5 and 6 MHz from the channel edge, emissions 
must be attenuated no less than the value determined by the following 
formula:

Attenuation in dB = -11.5(f + 3.6);
Where: f = frequency difference in MHz from the edge of the 
channel.

    (2)This attenuation is based on a measurement bandwidth of 500 kHz. 
Other measurement bandwidths may be used as long as appropriate 
correction factors are applied. Measurements need not be made any 
closer to the band edge than one half of the resolution bandwidth of 
the measuring instrument. Emissions include sidebands, spurious 
emissions and radio frequency harmonics. Attenuation is to be measured 
at the output terminals of the transmitter (including any filters that 
may be employed). In the event of interference caused to any service, 
greater attenuation may be required.
    3. Section 73.623 is amended by revising paragraphs (c), (d), (e) 
and (f) to read as follows:


Sec. 73.623  DTV applications and changes to DTV allotments.

* * * * *
    (c) Minimum technical criteria for modification of DTV allotments 
included in the initial DTV Table of Allotments and for applications 
filed pursuant to this section. No petition to modify a channel 
allotment included in the initial DTV Table of Allotments or 
application for authority to construct or modify a DTV station assigned 
to such an allotment, filed pursuant to this section, will be accepted 
unless it shows compliance with the requirements of this paragraph.
    (1) Requests filed pursuant to this paragraph must demonstrate 
compliance with the principal community coverage requirements of 
section 73.625(a).
    (2) Requests filed pursuant to this paragraph must demonstrate that 
the requested change would not result in more than an additional 2 
percent the population served by another station being subject to 
interference; provided, however, that no new interference may be caused 
to any station that already experiences interference to 10 percent or 
more of its population or that would result in a station receiving 
interference in excess of 10 percent of its population. The station 
population values for existing NTSC service and DTV service contained 
in Appendix B of the Memorandum Opinion and Order on Reconsideration of 
the Sixth Report and Order in MM Docket No. 87-268, FCC 98-24, adopted 
January 29, 1998, referenced in Sec. 73.622(c), are to be used for the 
purposes of determining whether a power increase or other change is 
permissible under this de minimis standard. For evaluating compliance 
with this requirement, interference to populations served is to be 
predicted based on the procedure set forth in OET Bulletin No. 69, 
including population served within service areas determined in 
accordance with section 73.622(e), consideration of whether F(50,10) 
undesired signals will exceed the following desired-to-undesired (D/U) 
signal ratios, assumed use of a directional receiving antenna, and use 
of the terrain dependent Longley-Rice point-to-point propagation model. 
Copies of OET Bulletin No. 69 may be inspected during normal business 
hours at the: Federal Communications Commission, 1919 M St., N.W., 
Dockets Branch (Room 239), Washington, DC 20554. These documents are 
also available through the Internet on the FCC Home Page at http://
www.fcc.gov. The threshold levels at which interference is considered 
to occur are:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              D/U Ratio 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Co-channel:                                                             
  DTV-into-analog TV.......................................          +34
  Analog TV-into-DTV.......................................           +2
  DTV-into-DTV.............................................          +15
First Adjacent Channel:                                                 
  Lower DTV-into-analog TV.................................          -14
  Upper DTV-into-analog TV.................................          -17
  Lower analog TV-into-DTV.................................          -48
  Upper analog TV-into-DTV.................................          -49
  Lower DTV-into-DTV.......................................          -28
  Upper DTV-into-DTV.......................................          -26
                                                                        
Other Adjacent Channel (Channels 14-69 only)                            
                                                                        
DTV-into-analog TV, where N = analog TV channel and DTV                 
 Channel:                                                               
  N-2......................................................          -24
  N+2......................................................          -28
  N-3......................................................          -30
  N+3......................................................          -34
  N-4......................................................          -34
  N+4......................................................          -25
  N-7......................................................          -35
  N+7......................................................          -43
  N-8......................................................          -32
  N+8......................................................          -43
  N+14.....................................................          -33
  N+15.....................................................          -31
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (3) The values in paragraph (c)(2) of this section for co-channel 
interference to DTV service are only valid at locations where the 
signal-to-noise ratio is 28 dB or greater for interference from DTV and 
25 dB or greater for interference from analog TV service. At the edge 
of the noise-limited service area, where the signal-to-noise (S/N) 
ratio is 16 dB, these values are 21 dB and 23 dB for interference from 
analog TV and DTV, respectively. At locations where the S/N ratio is 
greater than 16 dB but less than 28 dB, D/U values for co-channel 
interference to DTV are as follows:
    (i) For DTV-to-DTV interference, the minimum D/U ratios are 
computed from the following formula:

D/U = 15+10log10[1.0/(1.0-10-x/10)]

[[Page 13561]]

Where x = S/N-15.19 (minimum signal to noise ratio)

    (ii) For analog-to-DTV interference, the minimum D/U ratios are 
found from the following Table (for values between measured values, 
linear interpolation can be used):

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Desired-to-
                 Signal-to-noise ratio (dB)                   undesired 
                                                              ratio (dB)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
16.00......................................................        21.00
16.35......................................................        19.94
17.35......................................................        17.69
18.35......................................................        16.44
19.35......................................................         7.19
20.35......................................................         4.69
21.35......................................................         3.69
22.35......................................................         2.94
23.35......................................................         2.44
25.00......................................................         2.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (4) Due to the frequency spacing that exists between Channels 4 and 
5, between Channels 6 and 7, and between Channels 13 and 14, the 
minimum adjacent channel technical criteria specified in paragraph 
(c)(2) of this section shall not be applicable to these pairs of 
channels (see Sec. 73.603(a)).
    (d) Minimum geographic spacing requirements for DTV allotments not 
included in the initial DTV Table of Allotments. No petition to add a 
new channel to the DTV Table of Allotments or modify an allotment not 
included in the initial DTV Table will be accepted unless it shows 
compliance with the requirements of this paragraph.
    (1) Requests filed pursuant to this paragraph must demonstrate 
compliance with the principle community coverage requirements of 
section 73.625(a).
    (2) Requests filed pursuant to this paragraph must meet the 
following requirements for geographic spacing with regard to all other 
DTV stations, DTV allotments and analog TV stations:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Channel relationship                Separation requirement 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
VHF Channels 2-13:                                                      
    Co-channel, DTV to DTV                                              
                                               Zone I: 244.6 km.        
                                               Zones II & III: 273.6 km.
    Co-channel, DTV to analog TV                                        
                                               Zone I: 244.6 km.        
                                               Zone II & III: 273.6 km. 
Adjacent Channel:                                                       
    DTV to DTV...............................  No allotments permitted  
                                                between:                
                                               Zone I: 20 km and 110 km.
                                               Zones II & III: 23 km and
                                                110 km.                 
    DTV to analog TV.........................  No allotments permitted  
                                                between:                
                                               Zone I: 9 km and 125 km. 
                                               Zone II & III: 11 km and 
                                                125 km.                 
UHF Channels:                                                           
    Co-channel, DTV to DTV                                              
                                               Zone I: 196.3 km.        
                                               Zone II & III: 223.7 km. 
    Co-channel, DTV to analog TV                                        
                                               Zone I: 217.3 km.        
                                               Zone II & III: 244.6 km. 
Adjacent Channel:                                                       
    DTV to DTV...............................  No allotments permitted  
                                                between:                
                                               All Zones: 24 km and 110 
                                                km.                     
    DTV to analog TV.........................  No allotments permitted  
                                                between:                
                                               All Zones: 12 km and 106 
                                                km.                     
    Taboo Channels, DTV to analog TV only      No allotments permitted  
     (DTV channels +/-2, +/-3, +/-4, +/-7, +/-  between:                
     8, and 14 or 15 channels above the        Zone I: 24.1 km and 80.5 
     analog TV channel).                        km.                     
                                               Zone II & III: 24.1 km   
                                                and 96.6 km.            
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (3) Zones are defined in Sec. 73.609. The minimum distance 
separation between a DTV station in one zone and an analog TV or DTV 
station in another zone shall be that of the zone requiring the lower 
separation.
    (4) Due to the frequency spacing that exists between Channels 4 and 
5, between Channels 6 and 7, and between Channels 13 and 14, the 
minimum geographic spacing requirements specified in paragraph (d)(3) 
of this section shall not be applicable to these pairs of channels 
(Sec. 73.603(a)).
    (e) Protection of land mobile operations on channels 14-20. The 
Commission will not accept petitions to amend the DTV Table of 
Allotments, applications for new DTV stations, or applications to 
change the channel or location of authorized DTV stations that would 
use channels 14-20 where the distance between the DTV reference point 
as defined in section 73.622(d), would be located less than 250 km from 
the city center of a co-channel land mobile operation or 176 km from 
the city center of an adjacent channel land mobile operation. Petitions 
to amend the DTV Table, applications for new DTV stations, or requests 
to modify the DTV Table that do not meet the minimum DTV-to-land mobile 
spacing standards will, however, be considered where all affected land 
mobile licensees consent to the requested action. Land mobile 
operations are authorized on these channels in the following markets:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              City                          Channels                      Latitude                 Longitude    
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boston, MA.....................  14, 16.......................  42 deg.21'24''                71 deg.03'25''    
Chicago, IL....................  14, 15.......................  41 deg.52'28''                87 deg.38'22''    
Dallas, TX.....................  16...........................  32 deg.47'09''                96 deg.47'37''    
Houston, TX....................  17...........................  29 deg.45'26''                95 deg.21'37''    

[[Page 13562]]

                                                                                                                
Los Angeles, CA................  14, 16, 20...................  34 deg.03'15''                118 deg.14'28''   
Miami, FL......................  14...........................  25 deg.46'37''                80 deg.11'32''    
New York, NY...................  14, 15.......................  40 deg.45'06''                73 deg.59'39''    
Philadelphia, PA...............  19, 20.......................  39 deg.56'58''                75 deg.09'21''    
Pittsburgh, PA.................  14, 18.......................  40 deg.26'19''                80 deg.00'00''    
San Francisco, CA..............  16, 17.......................  37 deg.46'39''                122 deg.24'40''   
Washington, DC.................  17, 18.......................  38 deg.53'51''                77 deg.00'33''    
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (f) Negotiated agreements on interference. Notwithstanding the 
minimum technical criteria for DTV allotments specified above, DTV 
stations operating on allotments that are included in the initial DTV 
Table may: operate with increased ERP and/or antenna HAAT that would 
result in additional interference to another DTV station or an analog 
TV station if that station agrees, in writing, to accept the additional 
interference; and/or implement an exchange of channel allotments 
between two or more licensees or permittees of TV stations in the same 
community, the same market, or in adjacent markets provided, however, 
that the other requirements of this section and of section 73.622 are 
met with respect to each such application. Such agreements must be 
submitted with the application for authority to construct or modify the 
affected DTV station or stations. The larger service area resulting 
from a negotiated change in ERP and/or antenna HAAT will be protected 
in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (c) of this section. 
Negotiated agreements under this paragraph can include the exchange of 
money or other considerations from one station to another, including 
payments to and from noncommercial television stations assigned 
reserved channels. Applications submitted pursuant to the provisions of 
this paragraph will be granted only if the Commission finds that such 
action is consistent with the public interest.
    4. Section 73.625 is amended by adding paragraph (c)(5) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 73.625  DTV coverage of principal community and antenna system.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
* * * * *
    (5) Applications proposing the use of electrical beam tilt pursuant 
to section 73.622(f)(4) must be accompanied by the following:
    (i) Complete description of the proposed antenna system, including 
the manufacturer and model number. Vertical plane radiation patterns 
conforming with paragraphs (c)(3)(iv), (c)(3)(v) and (c)(3)(vi) of this 
section.
    (ii) For at least 36 evenly spaced radials, including 0 degrees 
corresponding to true North, a determination of the depression angle 
between the transmitting antenna center of radiation and the radio 
horizon using the formula in paragraph (b)(2) of this section.
    (iii) For each such radial direction, the ERP at the depression 
angle, taking into account the effect of the electrical beam tilt, 
mechanical beam tilt, if used, and directional antenna pattern if a 
directional antenna is specified.
    (iv) The maximum ERP toward the radio horizon determined by this 
process must be clearly indicated. In addition, a tabulation of the 
relative fields representing the effective radiation pattern toward the 
radio horizon in the 36 radial directions must be submitted. A value of 
1.0 should be used for the maximum radiation.
    5. Section 73.3572 is amended by revising paragraph (a)(2) to read 
as follows:


Sec. 73.3572  Processing of TV broadcast, low power TV, TV translator 
and TV booster applications.

    (a) * * *
    (2) However, if the proposed modification of facilities, other than 
a change in frequency, will not increase the signal range of the low 
power TV, TV translator or TV booster station in any horizontal 
direction, the modification will not be considered a major change.
    (i) Provided that in the case of an authorized low power TV, TV 
translator or TV booster which is predicted to cause or receive 
interference to or from an authorized TV broadcast station pursuant to 
Sec. 74.705 or interference with broadcast or other services under 
Sec. 74.703 or Sec. 74.709, that an application for a change in output 
channel, together with technical modifications which are necessary to 
avoid interference (including a change in antenna location of less than 
16.1 km), will not be considered as an application for a major change 
in those facilities.
    (ii) Provided further, that a low power TV, TV translator or TV 
booster station: authorized on a channel from channel 60 to 69, or 
which is causing or receiving interference or is predicted to cause or 
receive interference to or from an authorized DTV station pursuant to 
Sec. 74.706, or which is located within the distances specified below 
in paragraph (c) of this section to the coordinates of co-channel DTV 
authorizations (or allotment table coordinates if there are no 
authorized facilities at different coordinates), may at any time file a 
displacement relief application for a change in output channel, 
together with any technical modifications which are necessary to avoid 
interference or continue serving the station's protected service area. 
Such an application will not be considered as an application for a 
major change in those facilities. Where such an application is mutually 
exclusive with applications for new low power TV, TV translator or TV 
booster stations, or with other nondisplacement relief applications for 
facilities modifications, priority will be afforded to the displacement 
application(s) to the exclusion of the other applications.
    (iii)(A) The geographic separations to co-channel DTV facilities or 
allotment reference coordinates, as applicable, within which to qualify 
for displacement relief are the following:

(1) Stations on UHF channels: 265 km (162 miles)
(2) Stations on VHF channels 2-6: 280 km (171 miles)
(3) Stations on VHF channels 7-13: 260 km (159 miles)

    (B) Engineering showings of predicted interference may also be 
submitted to justify the need for displacement relief.
    (iv) Provided further, that the FCC may, within 15 days after 
acceptance of any other application for modification of facilities, 
advise the applicant that such application is considered to be one for 
a major change and therefore subject to the provisions of Sec. 73.3580 
of this section and Sec. 1.1111 of this chapter pertaining to major 
changes.

[[Page 13563]]

PART 74--EXPERIMENTAL RADIO, AUXILIARY, SPECIAL BROADCAST AND OTHER 
PROGRAM DISTRIBUTION SERVICES

    5. The authority citation for part 74 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Secs. 4, 303, 48 Stat. 1066, as amended, 1082, as 
amended; 47 U.S.C.154, 303, 336, and 554.

    6. Section 74.706 is amended by revising paragraph (d) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 74.706  Digital TV (DTV) station protection.

* * * * *
    (d) A low power TV, TV translator or TV booster station application 
will not be accepted if the ratio in dB of its field strength to that 
of the DTV station (L/D ratio) fails to meet the following:
    (1) -2 dB or less for co-channel operations. This maximum L/D ratio 
for co-channel interference to DTV service is only valid at locations 
where the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio is 25 dB or greater. At the edge 
of the noise-limited service area, where the S/N ratio is 16 dB, the 
maximum L/D ratio for co-channel interference from analog low power TV, 
TV translator or TV booster service into DTV service is -21 dB. At 
locations where the S/N ratio is greater than 16 dB but less than 25 
dB, the maximum L/D field strength ratios are found from the following 
Table (for values between measured values, linear interpolation can be 
used):

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Low Power-
                 Signal-to-Noise Ratio(dB)                      to-DTV  
                                                              Ratio(dB) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
16.00......................................................        21.00
16.35......................................................        19.94
17.35......................................................        17.69
18.35......................................................        16.44
19.35......................................................         7.19
20.35......................................................         4.69
21.35......................................................         3.69
22.35......................................................         2.94
23.35......................................................         2.44
25.00......................................................         2.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) + 48 dB for adjacent channel operations at:
    (i) The DTV noise-limited perimeter if a low power TV, TV 
translator or TV booster station is located outside that perimeter.
    (ii) At all points within the DTV noise-limited area if a low power 
TV or TV translator is located within the DTV noise-limited perimeter, 
as demonstrated by the applicant.

[FR Doc. 98-6827 Filed 3-19-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P