The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) last week issued a revised list of television stations that are pre-approved as eligible to participate in the analog nightlight program after they transition to digital. The list includes 825 stations, representing 202 markets, and reflects an updated engineering analysis that assesses potential interference issues. According to the Public Notice, stations interested in participating in the nightlight program must notify the FCC by May 26 (stations that have already notified the FCC do not need to send another notification).

The analog nightlight program was created at the request of Congress to allow certain stations to continue analog transmissions for 30 days after the transition. Those stations that participate in the program would provide emergency and DTV-transition information to those viewers that have not yet made preparations for the digital transition. Of the 825 stations that are pre-approved as eligible for the nightlight program, 354 stations have already transitioned or will transition before June 12.

For stations that wish to participate but are not included on the pre-approved list, the FCC will allow those stations to demonstrate eligibility for participation. The date to file an eligibility showing is also May 26.

Stations on the pre-approved list that wish to participate can notify the FCC either via new forms available in CDBS, or by sending an email to nightlight@fcc.gov.

Please read the Public Notice for more information.

For a list of pre-approved stations, please click here.