FCC Chairman Ajit Pai announced on Thursday that he has released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that will allow the nation's broadcasters to begin to implement ATSC 3.0 advanced standard on a strictly voluntary basis. Pai, who has been at the helm of the FCC or only 14 days, has wasted no time implementing policy and he hopes to have a more formal declaration and authorization by the end of this year.
In a statement, the FCC said, "In response to petitions from broadcast and consumer electronics industry representatives, the FCC is moving forward with the rulemaking process for ATSC 3.0, the still-in-development broadcast TV standards that will enable Ultra High Definition (UHD) picture and immersive audio, more localized programming content, an advanced emergency alert system (EAS), better accessibility options and interactive services."
Among additional proposals and announcements by the FCC are that, "Among the issues and proposals scheduled for public comment in the proceeding are voluntary use of the standard and the requirement of local simulcasting so that broadcasters will continue to transmit ATSC 1.0-based services as well as new ATSC 3.0 services. In addition, the FCC is proposing the MVPDs be required to continue carrying ATSC 1.0 signals but not ATSC 3.0 during the transition period. The FCC is also seeking comment on whether ATSC 3.0 will create any interference concerns for existing DTV operations. The FCC is also proposing holding ATSC 3.0 stations to the same current public interest obligations for broadcasters and concluding that it is unnecessary at this time to adopt an ATSC 3.0 tuner mandate for new television receivers.”
The news of the voluntary rollout was welcomed by many in the broadcasting industry and was especially welcomed by the National Association of Broadcasters. Dennis Wharton, NAB's Executive Vice President for Communications made a public statement in which he said;
"NAB strongly supports the FCC moving ahead on two proceedings of significant importance to broadcasters—a rulemaking on Next Gen Television and an AM revitalization order. Both items will foster technological innovation, increase opportunities for minority and female owners, and create new and unique services for consumers,” said Dennis Wharton, executive vice president of communications for the NAB, in a statement. "Chairman Pai deserves credit for departing from the past practice of both Republican and Democratic-controlled Commissions, and publicly releasing the proposals early to inject greater transparency in the FCC rulemaking process. We believe this action will provide greater clarity for stakeholders and greater trust from the public in dealing with the FCC going forward."
BROADCAST BEAT is the Official Producer of NAB Show LIVE for the 2017 NAB Show in Las Vegas. In 2016, our broadcast had 1.3 million viewers! For the most in-depth coverage of the show as well as insightful and exclusive interviews... Be sure to tune in at broadcastbeat.comINDUSTRY NEWS2 min read
FCC Chairman Pai Gives The Nod To Broadcasters To Start Implementing ATSC 3.0
Broadcast Beat
Contributor
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai announced on Thursday that he has released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that will allow the nation's broadcasters to begin to implement ATSC 3.0 advanced standard on a strictly voluntary basis. Pai, who has been at the helm of the FCC or only 14 days, has wasted no time implementing policy and he hopes to have a more formal declaration and authorization by the end of this year.
In a statement, the FCC said, "In response to petitions from broadcast and consumer electronics industry representatives, the FCC is moving forward with the rulemaking process for ATSC 3.0, the still-in-development broadcast TV standards that will enable Ultra High Definition (UHD) picture and immersive audio, more localized programming content, an advanced emergency alert system (EAS), better accessibility options and interactive services."
Among additional proposals and announcements by the FCC are that, "Among the issues and proposals scheduled for public comment in the proceeding are voluntary use of the standard and the requirement of local simulcasting so that broadcasters will continue to transmit ATSC 1.0-based services as well as new ATSC 3.0 services. In addition, the FCC is proposing the MVPDs be required to continue carrying ATSC 1.0 signals but not ATSC 3.0 during the transition period. The FCC is also seeking comment on whether ATSC 3.0 will create any interference concerns for existing DTV operations. The FCC is also proposing holding ATSC 3.0 stations to the same current public interest obligations for broadcasters and concluding that it is unnecessary at this time to adopt an ATSC 3.0 tuner mandate for new television receivers.”
The news of the voluntary rollout was welcomed by many in the broadcasting industry and was especially welcomed by the National Association of Broadcasters. Dennis Wharton, NAB's Executive Vice President for Communications made a public statement in which he said;
"NAB strongly supports the FCC moving ahead on two proceedings of significant importance to broadcasters—a rulemaking on Next Gen Television and an AM revitalization order. Both items will foster technological innovation, increase opportunities for minority and female owners, and create new and unique services for consumers,” said Dennis Wharton, executive vice president of communications for the NAB, in a statement. "Chairman Pai deserves credit for departing from the past practice of both Republican and Democratic-controlled Commissions, and publicly releasing the proposals early to inject greater transparency in the FCC rulemaking process. We believe this action will provide greater clarity for stakeholders and greater trust from the public in dealing with the FCC going forward."
BROADCAST BEAT is the Official Producer of NAB Show LIVE for the 2017 NAB Show in Las Vegas. In 2016, our broadcast had 1.3 million viewers! For the most in-depth coverage of the show as well as insightful and exclusive interviews... Be sure to tune in at broadcastbeat.comFound this article useful?