Washington, D.C. – Today’s launch of NextGen TV in Cleveland, Ohio marks an important milestone for local broadcasting and for viewers across the country who value free TV. With this deployment, the 25 largest television markets now have NextGen TV service on the air, an achievement that reflects the continued leadership of local broadcasters in advancing innovation while serving their communities.
In Cleveland, WBNX-TV (Nexstar-CW) is serving as the host station, with WJW-TV (Nexstar-FOX), WEWS-TV (Scripps-ABC), WOIO-TV (Gray-CBS) and WKYC-TV (TEGNA-NBC) partnering to bring ATSC 3.0 service to the market. This collaborative lighthouse model underscores what makes broadcasting unique: local stations working together to deliver new capabilities that benefit viewers, from enhanced picture and sound to more robust emergency information.
"NextGen TV is more than a technology upgrade,” said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. “It is a pathway to a stronger, more resilient local broadcasting system that enhances public safety, supports local journalism and ensures communities have access to trusted, free, over-the-air service when it matters most."
NAB commends the Cleveland stations for their leadership and partnership in reaching this milestone. At a time when more content is moving behind paywalls and onto Big Tech platforms, NextGen TV helps ensure local broadcasters can continue serving every community, free and over the air, including enhancing access to marquee live sports and other major local events that bring communities together.
Now, policymakers must match that momentum by modernizing outdated regulations and establishing a clear, forward-looking transition plan so broadcasters can continue delivering innovative, free local television for their communities.
The National Association of Broadcasters advocates for policies and technological innovations that empower America’s local television and radio stations to serve every community with trusted journalism, vital emergency information and the sports and entertainment that bring Americans together. Learn more at nab.org.
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