Class A television service

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Class A television service is a system for regulating some low power television stations (LPTV) stations in the United States set up by the FCC as a result of the Community Broadcasters Protection Act of 1999.

Unlike traditional LPTV stations, Class A stations are not set to expire when U.S. TV switches over to digital. Class A stations will have the opportunity to be assigned new digital frequencies in the future.

Also unlike tradiditional LPTV stations, Class A stations are required to be more responsible in covering the community it serves. By law, Class A stations must:

Broadcast a minimum of 18 hours per day
Broadcast an average of at least 3 hours per week of programming produced within the market area served by the station
Be in compliance with the Commission's requirements for both LPTV stations and full-power television stations

LPTVs could also qualify for Class A status if it follows the FCC's "public interest, convenience, and necessity" standards.