More On MTN

Do you ever watch MTN? They offer some local programming, mostly local news and things like chamber of commerce "shows", and spots about local arts council activities, humane society pet adoptions, ASU sports coverage, infotainment.

Since we first reported on the difficulties facing Class A low-power television stations (LPTV)--the class to which MTN belongs--several months ago, we have not come across much else regarding the hurdles facing LPTV stations in the age of digital TV.

Indeed, the transition to digital TV could spell trouble for MTN. Now, it looks like the FCC has chosen to ignore those troubles:

FCC Chairman Kevin Martin expressed frustration Wednesday that the other four commissioners rejected his plan to make rules that could have provided Class A stations a clear path to full-power status.

The commission struck the item from its Wednesday (Oct. 15) meeting at about 4 p.m. Tuesday when Martin realized he did not have the votes to pass it. He said other commissioners supported a lesser measure—a notice of inquiry—that would have removed the potential for mandatory cable carriage for Low-Power stations.

"This provided nothing for Low-Power," Martin told reporters.
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The plan would have enabled some Class A stations to apply for full-power status, under which they would then qualify for cable must-carry rights.
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Representatives of Class A and Low-Power stations were angry at being strung along; many flew to the meeting in Nashville, Tenn., before learning the item was removed. Three commissioners maintained a quorum to proceed with an event on childhood obesity that was all that remained of the panel's mandatory monthly meeting.
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The snub was the latest setback for LPTV, which faces potential loss of over-the-air viewers who fail to receive the analog stations with new DTV converter boxes.

Wonder if anyone from MTN made the trip to Nashville?

Full article here. MTN here.