Local News Provides Lifeline to Those Looking for Local Answers Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Tip O’Neill famously quipped, “All politics is local.” At this uncertain time when all of America is grappling with the new COVID-19 reality, millions continue to rely on their local TV stations for news and updates on how the virus is affecting their local communities. Just like politics, there are national events and activities that shape our nation, but what really matters most to people is how the politics – and in this case the virus – is hitting close to home.
Continue ReadingMonth: March 2020
Phase 9 of the Spectrum Repack Begins
Multiple TV Stations’ Frequency Transitions Continue Last week marked the end of Phase 8 of the 10-phase spectrum repack and the launch of Phase 9. By law, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is requiring nearly 1,000 TV stations to change frequencies to make room for wireless services. To date, approximately 85 percent of the 1,000 stations have changed frequencies. So, what does this mean for consumers? If you pay a monthly fee to subscribe to a television service – such as cable or satellite – you do not need to do anything as your provider will manage the TV rescan
Continue ReadingTV Rescans Happening Throughout the Country This Week
TV Antenna Viewers in Multiple Communities Affected As many as 81 TV stations in 36 communities across the country are scheduled to change frequencies by this Friday, March 13, the end of Phase 8 of the spectrum repack – with some having already transitioned in February and early March. Phase 8 is part of the 10-phase spectrum repack, which is scheduled to continue at least through this summer. Approximately 800 stations have already changed frequencies since September 2018 when the process began. As a result of the multi-city station transitions, if you use an antenna to access free, over-the-air television you will
Continue ReadingJanuary/February TV Rescan Round Up
The spectrum repack continues with more than half of all TV stations in the United States changing frequencies to make room for expanded wireless services. So far, 792 stations have transitioned, including 57 in January and February. When a station transitions to a new frequency, viewers in that community must rescan their TVs to continue to receive free, over-the-air channels, including local weather and emergency alerts that provide lifesaving information. A TV rescan is relatively easy to do using your TV remote. If you are a cable or satellite subscriber you do not need to take action. Your service provider will
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