Media Contacts: Janice Wise (202) 418-8165 janice.wise@fcc.gov For Immediate Release FCC EXPANDS CHANNEL SHARING OPPORTUNITIES FOR BROADCASTERS Action gives more sharing flexibility to TV stations that relinquished spectrum in the incentive auction, as well as to LPTV and TV translators, to help ensure continuity of service to viewers WASHINGTON, March 23, 2017 – The Federal Communications Commission today adopted a Report and Order that expands broadcast stations’ ability to share a single TV channel so viewers can continue to receive their broadcast programming. The ability to channel-share is an important component of the FCC’s incentive auction, mandated by Congress in 2012, which provides a voluntary opportunity for full power and Class A broadcast stations to relinquish their spectrum and share a channel with another full power or Class A broadcaster in exchange for a part of the proceeds from a related mobile wireless auction. Separately, the Commission in 2015 extended channel sharing to low power television (LPTV) and TV translator stations to help stations displaced by the incentive auction stay on the air. Today’s Order permits television broadcast stations with an auction-related channel sharing agreement (CSA) to continue channel sharing by entering into a new CSA in the event that their existing agreement ends. This enables stations to continue providing service to their viewers. The new rules also permit Class A stations to channel share outside of the auction context. Additionally, all LPTV and TV translator stations are now able to share a channel with a full power or Class A station. This flexibility gives LPTV and TV translator stations that are displaced by the auction repacking process more options for continuing to operate. It also may reduce construction and operating costs for LPTV and TV translator stations, many of which have limited resources, are minority-owned, or provide programming to underserved audiences. To learn more about the incentive auction, visit www.fcc.gov/incentiveauctions. Action by the Commission March 23, 2017 by Report and Order (FCC 17-29). Chairman Pai, Commissioner O’Rielly approving. Commissioner Clyburn approving in part and concurring in part. Chairman Pai, Commissioners Clyburn and O’Rielly issuing separate statements. GN Docket No. 12-268; MB Docket No. 03-185; MB Docket No. 15-137 ### Office of Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 TTY: (888) 835-5322 Twitter: @FCC www.fcc.gov/office-media-relations This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).