Broadcasters Oppose Mandatory ATSC 1.0 Sunset
The Low Power Television Broadcasters Association told the FCC it opposes a mandatory shutdown of ATSC 1.0 broadcasts for LPTV stations.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Television
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The Low Power Television Broadcasters Association sent a letter to the FCC opposing a mandatory ATSC 1.0 sunset for LPTV stations. The group's position comes as the FCC weighs an NPRM to accelerate the transition to ATSC 3.0, and the agency has delayed a final decision on proposed sunset dates.
Why it matters
Broadcasters led by the NAB proposed ending ATSC 1.0 service at the end of 2028 in the top 55 U.S. markets and at the end of 2030 elsewhere. LPTVA argues that keeping ATSC 1.0 on LPTV channels preserves free over-the-air local television during and after any full-power transition.
The filing references roughly 1,760 licensed LPTV stations and 397 licensed Class A stations in the United States. The FCC has not yet ruled on the proposed sunset dates, leaving the treatment of these smaller stations unresolved.
The players
Low Power Television Broadcasters Association
An industry group representing low power television station operators that advocates for LPTV interests before federal regulators.
Federal Communications Commission
The U.S. federal agency that regulates broadcast television and has the authority to set the timeline for any ATSC 1.0 sunset.
National Association of Broadcasters
The main trade group for U.S. broadcasters, which petitioned for a nationwide ATSC 3.0 transition and proposed the 2028 and 2030 sunset dates.
The details
LPTVA President Frank Copsidas wrote that the association opposes any mandate for translators, LPTV, or Class A stations, and asked the FCC to give LPTV broadcasters more flexibility in choosing their own path. The NAB, in a February 26, 2025 petition, stated it does not recommend requiring LPTV or translator stations to transition to ATSC 3.0. LPTVA has also advocated allowing broadcasters to transmit 5G broadcast as an alternative.
Timeline
February 26, 2025: NAB files petition seeking a mandatory ATSC 3.0 transition.
End of 2028: Proposed ATSC 1.0 sunset for the top 55 U.S. markets.
End of 2030: Proposed ATSC 1.0 sunset for remaining U.S. markets.
Last week: LPTVA submits letter to the FCC opposing a mandatory sunset.
Big Picture
The LPTVA letter responds directly to the FCC's current Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on accelerating the ATSC 3.0 transition. It pushes back on extending that mandate to low power and Class A stations, which the group argues would remove free local over-the-air service from communities that rely on it.
Viewers who rely on low power and Class A stations for free over-the-air programming could lose access if ATSC 1.0 signals are shut off. The outcome of the FCC decision will determine whether those channels remain available on existing receivers.
The takeaway
The FCC's decision on sunset dates will shape whether smaller broadcasters keep free over-the-air service available alongside the ATSC 3.0 transition. Viewers who depend on antenna reception should watch for changes to their local channel lineups.
Further reading
Explore more Television coverage for context on the broadcast transition.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TVTechnology.
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