San Bernardino Community College District announced today that it expects to receive $157 million as a result of its voluntary participation in the Federal Communications Commission’s broadcast incentive auction to free up bandwidth for mobile and wireless providers. The proceeds reflect the FCC’s acceptance of a bid placed by the District – which holds KVCR-TV's broadcast license – to transmit KVCR's over-the-air TV signal over a very high frequency (VHF) channel instead of its current ultra high frequency (UHF) channel. The District will continue operating KVCR-TV's free on-air PBS broadcast, and viewers who have cable and satellite carriage will not notice any difference resulting from the technical changes. The FCC's auction will not impact KVCR's radio broadcast, and listeners will continue enjoying on-air programming on 91.9 FM.
"This one-time funding will bolster our ability to provide the world-class programming that Inland Southern California deserves, while helping achieve our critical mission of educating, preparing and inspiring the leaders of tomorrow," said Joseph Williams, President of the San Bernardino Community College District Board of Trustees, which includes San Bernardino Valley College and Crafton Hills College.
SBCCD anticipates it will receive auction proceeds in the current calendar year. A portion of the funds will be used to invest in KVCR to purchase and install new equipment and update technological infrastructure to transition to the new broadcast frequency.
