FCC cancels Class A and Low-Power TV Station in Nashville … while players in route.

The Coalition for Local Television and the Community Broadcasters Association today expressed their strong disappointment in the last minute decision by the FCC to cancel their agenda meeting in Nashville, TN which was to include a panel discussion on a Notice of Proposed Rule Making. The NPRM from the FCC would invite public comment on a proposal that would allow Class A TV stations an opportunity to apply to convert to full power TV status, which would give these stations full permanent spectrum rights and access to cable distribution. The proposal would also provide a new opportunity for qualified Low Power TV stations to apply for Class A status.

This meeting was crucial in terms of timing because most Class A and Low Power stations are not making the jump to digital in 2009, most are not on cable, and many are in danger of losing the ability to reach the audiences they serve.

“We are extremely disappointed by the cancellation of the meeting tomorrow in Nashville. In addition to the petition we circulated on Friday in support of the proposal from over 150 stations with diverse programming from across the country, many of those same owners and station employees were driving or flying from around the country on their own time and expense to be heard,” said Mayela C. Rosales – EVP, Azteca America SWFL, D’Latinos and a member of the Coalition for Local Television. “As I have said before, we represent the voice to communities and populations that are simply not represented or served by mainstream cable networks. How can we understand this cancellation to be anything but a confirmation that women’s and minority voices do not matter?”

“This is an issue of fundamental fairness,” said Randy Nonberg, President of Una Vez Mas and a member of the CLTV. “It is one thing to determine through a public forum whether there are merits to an argument. It is quite another to thwart that substantive discussion and debate. It is antithetical to the democratic process the FCC should undertake.”

“It is also our understanding that the FCC may release a Notice of Inquiry with regard to this issue. If this is the case, it is another attempt to delay the process. If the FCC moves forward with an NOI, we are entitled to a process with transparency, accountability and most importantly, a quick deadline,” said Ron Gordon, President of ZGS Communications and a member of the CLTV.

CBA President Ronald J. Bruno concluded, “After all the emphasis the Commission has put on promoting diversity and localism, it is disgraceful to cancel a meeting at the last minute, to cut off the opportunity to hear dedicated broadcasters explain how they will advance those goals, and to leave them in limbo for an indefinite period of time.”

Many of the key Hispanic players with an interest in ensuring that the FCC understand the importance of this policy where in route to this meeting when it was cancelled.