The broadcast TV spectrum repack is currently in Phase 9 of its planned 10 phases in which more than half of all TV stations in the United States are changing frequencies to make room for expanded wireless services. In March, another 27 stations made the transition, bringing the total number of stations that have successfully changed frequencies to approximately 85 percent of the total 1,000 TV stations that must make the change. 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
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It’s Not an April Fools Prank: Why you May Not Get your TV Channels for a Period of Time
If you rely on an antenna to receive free, over-the-air TV and you’re not getting all your channels it may be for good reason, and rest assured, good TV comes to those who wait. As part of the spectrum repack, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) – the agency that governs the public airwaves – was authorized by Congress to auction off broadcast TV frequencies to make more channels available for wireless services. As a result of the auction, the FCC is requiring nearly 1,000 TV stations to change frequencies and when those stations change frequencies, viewers in the affected communities must rescan
Continue ReadingLocal TV Stations: A Constant in Good Times and Bad
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 ReadingPhase 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 ReadingA TV Rescan is Happening in 19 States Before March 13
Is Your Community Included? As many as 81 TV stations in 19 states across the country will change frequencies between now and March 13 to make room for wireless services. If you’re one of the more than 72 million TV viewers who use an antenna to access free, over-the-air television, you will need to rescan your TV or converter box if stations in your community change frequencies. You can enter your zip code here to find out if and when your local stations are set to transition. Even better, you can sign up for text and email alerts so that you know the exact day
Continue ReadingTV Rescan Tips and Tricks
Make Sure Your #PlanToRescan Goes Off Without a Hitch Over the last several weeks, TV stations in dozens of communities have changed frequencies, requiring those who use an antenna to access free, over-the-air TV to perform a TV rescan. Because it’s relatively simple using the TV remote or converter box, the vast majority of TV rescans go off without a hitch. If you’ve tried to rescan, but are still not getting your channels, check out these tips and tricks to help guide you through it. And don’t forget that if you’re having trouble, your local TV stations can be a
Continue ReadingAntenna TV Viewers: Here’s a New Year’s Resolution You Can Keep
It’s that time of year again when many of us make New Year’s resolutions, some of which we keep, most of which we don’t. Researchers say about 60 percent of us make New Year’s resolutions, but only 8 percent are successful in achieving them. Regardless of the success rate in keeping our 2020 resolutions, the mere act of going through a mental checklist for the new year is a good exercise in planning ahead. If you use an antenna to enjoy watching your local TV stations, here’s something to put on your resolution checklist that’s free and ensures you get to keep watching
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