TVAnswers.com Newsletter

December 2019

Phase 7 of the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) spectrum repack is about a month from completion – January 17 – and more than 40 of the 128 stations have moved frequencies. In total, the FCC reports 709 stations have completed their repack transitions that continue through July 2020.

If you haven’t confirmed your station’s Rescan Day for this phase, please do so as soon as possible so that we can support your efforts with local-market communications. We don’t want viewers left in the dark, so let us know your Rescan Day and time by emailing NABMarketing@nab.org

As we move into the final Phase 7 push, make sure your creative services team is aware of and using the following tools and resources that will help your station prepare your viewers for Rescan Day.

TVAnswers.org/tools
On-air and Digital Tools

  • Talking points
  • Sample scripts
  • Automated phone messaging
  • Sample social media posts and graphics
  • Customizable spots that instruct viewers how to rescan their TVs or converter boxes

Quick Links

FCC Releases Reimbursement Update


On December 9, the FCC released a Public Notice providing an update on repacking and reimbursement issues. The FCC noted that total verified cost estimates for full-power and Class A television stations, as well as multichannel video program distributors (MVPDs), were over $1.95 billion. The FCC also stated that total estimated costs for FM stations impacted by the repack were approximately $18.6 million, and that the FCC was still reviewing estimated costs for low-power television (LPTV) and translator stations.

America’s First “Idol” Helps Spread the Word

Singer and “The Voice” coach Kelly Clarkson, who just launched her new talk show in September, is helping to spread the word on why it’s important for viewers to know about and make a #PlanToRescan. Let America’s original idol help remind your viewers about your station’s upcoming Rescan Day by downloading and using her spot, which is fun and bubbly just like Kelly.

Slipping and Sliding Through Snow Days

It’s that time of year when severe weather can wreak havoc, so make sure your viewers aren’t left out in the cold without important weather alerts. As part of your station’s rescan plan, remember to contact your local emergency services providers to inform them that your station’s Rescan Day is coming up and ask them to share information with their audiences. You can find more pre-rescan tips in our handy station checklist and click here for talking points to use as you coordinate with community partners.

Station Spotlight

North Carolina public media station UNC-TV takes its stated vision on its website seriously: To be a vital, indispensable service and partner to all North Carolinians. Based on how they are supporting the transitions of their stations, they mean what they say and say what they mean – check out their clear, concise and compelling web page to help viewers understand what is happening, why it’s happening, when it’s happening and what they need to do about it.

It includes the web tutorial video from TVAnswers.org and a four-step infographic that simplifies the process for consumers. We salute UNC-TV for its dedication to make sure viewers have full information and clear next steps to continue enjoying their favorite local stations. 

Tell Us if You’re Operating at Lower Power!

Many viewers have reported losing channels after Rescan Days, and we have learned this is due to many stations having to operate on temporary facilities to meet their FCC transition deadlines. Did this happen to your station? Please let us know at NABMarketing@nab.org as this will help us in our advocacy at the FCC. And, don't forget to let your regional coordinator at the FCC know about any potential issues with your transition.

We're Here to Help


TVAnswers Resources
We encourage your feedback. If you have questions or information to share with NAB or other stations, please email us at NABMarketing@nab.org.

Click here to add your contact information to stay informed, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates. You can also connect with us using #PlanToRescan to share what you’re doing to inform your audiences about rescanning.



Get Viewer Education Tools at TVAnswers.org/Tools