We kicked off the month with our annual NAB Show in Las Vegas, where we joined tens of thousands of industry professionals from around the world in exploring the latest innovations that are shaping the future of broadcasting. We especially enjoyed exploring the 4K smart TVs on full display. Recently, Vizio announced that it is bringing back Next Gen TV tuners to its entire 4K TV lineup, noting that “people who have cut the cord with traditional pay-TV services see value in free ATSC broadcasts,” according to John Hwang, Vizio senior director of product management.”
During the show, we
also shared information about preparing consumers for the repack. Back in Washington, we are ramping up our education efforts on Capitol Hill with Phase 1 only months away, working with congressional offices to ensure they are armed with information and tools to prepare their constituents for the changes coming to their local TV stations.
As part of our ongoing media efforts, TVAnswers was featured in the Chicago Tribune in an informative article highlighting the upcoming frequency moves, available resources and instructions on how viewers can rescan their televisions. This article is an excellent example of the kind of coverage we would like to see in other local markets to ensure viewers are provided with the most accurate, easy-to-understand information possible.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates and connect with us using #PlanToRescan to share what you’re doing to inform your audiences about your station’s frequency move.
FCC Announces Further Allocation of Repacking Reimbursement Funds
On Monday, April 16, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that it will be making a further allocation of repacking reimbursement funds in the amount of $742 million. The Commission had made an initial allocation of $1 billion in October. Based on its assessment of the amounts drawn down to date, as well as the passage of legislation making significant additional funding available, the FCC concluded that a large additional allocation was warranted. The FCC stated that it will continue to monitor repacking progress and will make additional funds available as needed.
A Message from NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith
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During NAB Show, I was pleased to sit down with Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (OR-02) to discuss the policy issues that are impacting local radio and TV stations. One of the issues we touched on was the passing of omnibus appropriations legislation that included $1 billion in additional funding for translators, full and low-power TV and radio stations' relocations costs due to the spectrum incentive auction. I thanked Chairman Walden for his leadership in helping to secure the funds to fully reimburse stations and protect viewers' access to the free, vital services provided by their local broadcasters. We will continue to work with stations to ensure they have the support they need to complete their frequency moves, and the resources, tools and information they need to inform viewers of these changes.
We hope that you will rely on the tools at TVAnswers.org/tools to provide viewers with consistent messaging that will help minimize confusion. As a reminder, you can access a checklist of activities to keep you on track, talking points, sample scripts and crawls and even automated phone messaging. Click here for station tools and here for station tools in Spanish. NAB has also created customizable spots in English and Spanish that instruct viewers how to rescan their TVs and converter boxes.
Don’t hesitate to contact us at NABMarketing@nab.org if you need any other resources to help educate your viewers.
Gordon H. Smith
Some stations have already moved to new frequencies – either due to a channel sharing arrangement or because they were authorized by the Federal Communications Commission to move earlier than their scheduled transition date. We’ve been watching closely and will pass along any lessons learned to other stations to help ensure their transitions are a success.
Below are two common concerns we’re hearing from viewers and how we’ve been responding. Be prepared to answer questions like this in your market and check out our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information:
Q: I’ve rescanned several times and I’m still not seeing the channel. What’s wrong?
A: It's possible, if your local channels moved from UHF to VHF, that you may need a new antenna or to adjust your current antenna in order to pick up the signals. Our partners at Antenna Web may be able to provide you with more precise information regarding signal strength and type of antenna.
Q: I still use a converter box, but I’ve lost my original remote control. How do I rescan?
A: If you cannot find the remote control for your television or converter box, try using your universal remote to rescan or check the TV for controls located on the side or back of the unit. If you do not see controls on the TV, contact your set manufacturer for assistance.
Have You Set a Transition Date? Let Us Know!
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In order for NAB to help your station educate viewers, we need to know exactly when you are making the transition, whether that is due to a channel sharing agreement or the repack. As your plans become firm, please let us know the date you'll be moving to a new frequency by filling out this simple form.
If you are responsible for multiple stations, you can also send an email to NABMarketing@nab.org and we'll populate our database on TVAnswers.org to ensure your station information is current and accurate.
We encourage your feedback. If you have questions or information to share with other stations, please email us at NABMarketing@nab.org.
Click here to add your contact information to stay informed.
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