What is a DX-LIC digital auxiliary?

[comfortably_numb]

I've noticed a number of the channels in my market have applied for DX-LIC. In the FAQ's on the Rabbitears site, it states that a DX-LIC is a "digital auxiliary." What is a digital auxiliary and why would a station want/need one? I notice that the broadcast power of the DX applications is significantly lower than the full-power output.

 

[Trip]

Backup facility in case the main fails/needs maintenance.

- Trip

 

[comfortably_numb]

Backup facility in case the main fails/needs maintenance.

- Trip

Is this something new? Any particular reason why 3+ stations in one market would all of a sudden decide to apply for such a license?

 

[Trip]

Nope, been around for a long time. But not sure who's suddenly applying. KSHB and KMCI licensed theirs in 2016, KMBC/KCWE in 2013, KCTV in 2014, and WDAF in 2012. None of them are particularly new, and many stations have backup facilities of some kind, though not all are on-file with the FCC in this manner. (For those stations without their aux facilities on file, they have to file an STA to turn on their backup facilities.)

- Trip

 

[comfortably_numb]

Nope, been around for a long time. But not sure who's suddenly applying. KSHB and KMCI licensed theirs in 2016, KMBC/KCWE in 2013, KCTV in 2014, and WDAF in 2012. None of them are particularly new, and many stations have backup facilities of some kind, though not all are on-file with the FCC in this manner. (For those stations without their aux facilities on file, they have to file an STA to turn on their backup facilities.)

- Trip

Maybe I just never noticed those before on the Rabbitears site. I check the local records quite frequently, and don't recall seeing any DX-LIC before on those stations. Probably just me.

 

[harshness]

For those stations without their aux facilities on file, they have to file an STA to turn on their backup facilities.

I'd imagine that an STA is much quicker in an emergency than going after a license more or less from scratch. Then again, every application has costs associated with it.

 

[Trip]

The point of an auxiliary license is that it's authorized ahead of time. That is, you license your auxiliary now and can operate it at any time, rather than having to file an emergency STA when the crisis hits.

It's the difference between having canned goods in the pantry versus running to the store to try to wrestle for it after the storm is over.

- Trip