Commerce's NTIA Announces Availability of $44 Million in Grants to Assist Low-Power TV Stations with Upgrade to Digital Broadcasting

For Immediate Release: May 13, 2009
Contact: Bart Forbes, (202) 482-7002 or press@ntia.doc.gov

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced the application process for a $44 million grant program to assist low-power television and translator stations with upgrading from analog to digital broadcasting. Unlike full-power television stations, low-power television facilities may continue analog broadcasting after the June 12, 2009 national transition of full-power stations to digital.

"The Obama Administration is committed to ensuring all viewers of over-the-air broadcast television enjoy the full benefits of digital television," said Acting NTIA Administrator Anna M. Gomez. "This grant program will assist the low-power, translator, and Class A stations that may provide the only local television programming choices in many rural areas across the nation."

In a Notice of Availability of Funds (NOFA) published in the Federal Register, NTIA issued the guidelines for its Low-Power Television and Translator Upgrade Program, which will provide reimbursement for equipment to upgrade low-power stations in eligible rural communities from analog to digital. The NOFA is based on input received at two public meetings this past fall and public comments filed with NTIA.

Details of the NOFA are available at www.federalregister.gov and atwww.ntia.doc.gov/lptv . Completed applications for the priority round must be received at NTIA no later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time on July 13, 2009. After August 10, 2009, applications must be received at NTIA by the first business day of each subsequent month as long as funds are available. NTIA will provide updated information on a periodic basis on its Web site http://www.ntia.doc.gov/lptv regarding program awards and remaining funds for grants.

The U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration serves as the executive branch agency principally responsible for advising the President on communications and information policies. For more information about the NTIA, visitwww.ntia.doc.gov .