SEPTEMBER 2018

Phase 1 of the spectrum repack is underway with more than 80 stations scheduled to change frequencies now through November 30. Viewers who watch your station for free over the air using an antenna will need to rescan their TVs or converter boxes to continue to receive your programming whether you are transitioning now or in a phase to come.

We have numerous resources to help you prepare your viewers for these changes. Visit TVAnswers.org/tools for on-air and online tools, including new spots featuring nationally-syndicated celebrity talent such as Dr. Phil, Alex Trebek, Pat Sajak and Vanna White and Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest, and other customizable spots in English and Spanish, talking points, sample scripts and automated phone messaging that instruct viewers how to rescan their TVs or converter boxes.

If your station is transitioning in Phase 1, it is critical that you alert your viewers now and let us know the date you’ll be moving frequencies by emailing NAB so that we can help spread the word.

If your station operates low-power TV (LPTV) stations and/or translators that are also moving frequencies, please notify us of their transition dates as well so this information can be included in our TVAnswers.org database. This is very important as viewers do not differentiate between full-power and LPTV stations and many may not realize they are receiving the signal via translator.

WLOX in Biloxi, Mississippi, recently changed frequencies and created an instructive page to help make this transition easier for their viewers.

With instructions for how to rescan and answers to frequently asked questions, the page was a great resource to assist over-the-air viewers rescan their TVs. If your station is inspired to create similar visually-compelling and informative instructions for your viewers, don't forget to access the messaging tools available to stations at TVAnswers.org/tools to help communicate your station's frequency move.

Keeping Your Program Guide and Data or Providers in the Loop on Your Frequency Changes

The latest TV Answers blog post features an interview with Heidi Steffen, senior vice president of Sales and Marketing at TitanTV. The TV Answers team spoke to Heidi to find out what TV stations need to communicate to their data and online guide listing providers as they prepare to move frequencies. She outlines important steps stations should take to ensure viewers continue to have access to correct programming information. Click here to read the blog post.

WTAE Shares Lessons Learned on the NAB Podcast

WTAE-TV Pittsburgh’s Tracy Oliver shares best practices and lessons learned for stations fresh off WTAE’s August 24 Rescan Day. TV Answers spokesperson Steve Gardner also shares tools and tips available to stations on the latest NAB Podcast. Learn what’s involved in moving frequencies, educating viewers, troubleshooting after the move and more. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Click here to add your contact information to stay informed.

Get Viewer Education Tools at TVAnswers.org/Tools