Public Television Digital Transition Grant Program
As part of the nation's transition to digital television, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) required all television broadcasters to have converted their transmitters to broadcast digital signals by June 12, 2009. While stations must broadcast their main transmitter signal in digital, many rural stations have yet to complete a full digital transition of their stations across all equipment. Rural stations often have translators serving small or isolated areas and some of these have not completed the transition to digital. Some rural stations also have not fully converted their production and studio equipment to digital. Grant funds may be used to acquire and install facilities and software necessary for the transition as well as equipment to facilitate local origination and management of programming. Grant funds may also be used for associated engineering and environmental studies. The program is targeted at over-the-air broadcast public television stations that serve rural areas of the U.S. Stations must be qualified for Community Service Grants by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting under section 396 (k) of the Communications Act of 1934.
General information about this opportunity
Last Known Status
Deleted 09/02/2013 (Archived.)
Program Number
RDUP-13-01-PTV
Federal Agency/Office
Agency: Department of Agriculture
Office: Utilities Programs
Type(s) of Assistance Offered
Grant
Number of Awards Available
12
Other Categories
Public Television Station Digital Transition for U.S. rural areas.
Who is eligible to apply/benefit from this assistance?
Applicant Eligibility
Public Television Stations. Public television station means a noncommercial educational television broadcast station that is qualified for Community Service Grants by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting under section 396 (k) of the Communications Act of 1934. These are over-the air broadcast stations. Typically they are PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) member stations, although that is not a requirement. Public access cable TV stations and PEG channels (public, educational, government access channels) are NOT eligible for this grant program.
What is the process for applying and being award this assistance?
Deadlines
08/30/2013
Other Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
This program does not have cost sharing or matching requirements.
Who do I contact about this opportunity?
Headquarters Office
Petra Schultze
Financial Analyst
Phone 202-690-4493
Website Address
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/utp_dtv.html
E-mail Address
petra.schultze@wdc.usda.gov
Financial Information
Obligations
$2,775,327.00
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Awards up to $750,000.00
