TV Antenna Viewers in Multiple Communities Affected Phase 9 of the broadcast spectrum repack is coming to a close with more than 40 TV stations across the country scheduled to change frequencies by this Friday, May 1. The number of stations transitioning in Phase 9 has been reduced by almost 50 percent due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as many delayed their transitions to avoid service interruptions during the crisis. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is requiring nearly 1,000 TV stations across the country to change frequencies to make room for more wireless services. As a result, viewers in the affected communities
Continue ReadingLocal TV Stations Answer the Call for Help Broadcast Heroes Among Us
During times of crisis, local TV stations have always been on the front lines providing lifesaving news and information. Stations across the country are illustrating their continued commitment to their communities, even in the midst of managing their own difficulties resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Many are adding additional news coverage to their daily programming to keep communities informed with trusted, reliable information and breaking news as the crisis unfolds. Some are helping to feed the hungry and replenish food banks. And still others are setting up dedicated educational programming to assist students and their parents who’ve had to bring
Continue ReadingFinal Phases of Broadcast TV Spectrum Repack Affected by COVID-19
In yet another example of the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on our communities, numerous TV stations are delaying their scheduled frequency changes to ensure they remain on the air without interruption during this national crisis. Of the 88 TV stations that are scheduled to change frequencies in the coming months, more than 35 percent have been granted extensions. This will allow them to shift their rescan days to occur this summer. By law, approximately 1,000 TV stations must change frequencies to make room for wireless services, and so far, about 850 stations have transitioned. When a station transitions to a new
Continue ReadingMarch TV Rescan Round Up
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
Continue ReadingIt’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 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
Continue ReadingWhy TV Rescans are Happening Across the Country
You may have heard about an upcoming TV rescan required for your community but still have questions. What is it all about, why is it happening and what do you need to do about it? In today’s blog, we break it down for you and unpack the spectrum repack. What is the spectrum repack and why is it happening? Several years ago, Congress authorized the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) – the agency that governs the public airwaves – to auction off broadcast TV frequencies (or airwaves) to make more channels available for wireless services. By law, as a result of the auction, the
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