March 2020

Phase 8 of the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) spectrum repack ended on March 13 and Phase 9 kicked off on March 14, continuing until May 1, 2020.

Breaking News

The FCC has agreed to allow any station currently scheduled to change frequencies in Phase 9 of the spectrum repack to move to Phase 10 as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. The FCC Public Notice concerning this issue can be found here. The details for how to make the request are in the public notice. If stations in Phase 9 would still like to transition during this time, they may do so.

If your station’s frequency change is impacted by COVID-19, please remember to keep your audiences informed through your website and social media. Following is a sample message you can use for this update:

Our station’s frequency change may be delayed as we remain on the air to provide you with important COVID-19 updates. Stay tuned to [station] for more information.

The FCC will be monitoring developments with tower crews and station personnel to determine whether the final Phase 10 should be extended. If you have one or more stations in Phase 10, we encourage you and your teams to stay in touch with us over the next few months regarding the status and any anticipated delays. You can email us at NABMarketing@nab.org and we will share this valuable information with the FCC to determine whether the Phase 10 deadline should be shifted.

Quick Links

Tools and Resources | Checklist | TVAnswers.org

Let's Hear From Viewers

We all know how people like to engage with Facebook. Here is a sampling of recent viewer comments that provides a sense of what people are saying, asking, and in some cases, requesting assistance with on the TV Answers Facebook page.

I rescanned last night, brought in nearly 50 channels - turned the TV on today (antenna never moved) and could only receive 4 channels! Why do the signals come and go with no consistency??. – Jon H.

I have to move my antenna around regularly to bring my channels in. Not sure why.... – Judith T.

Thank you for the reminder of when to rescan my TV – Lisa M.

Rescanned several times and still keep losing channels. Some come some go... need to fix it please! – Linda C.

Since they did this here in Michigan my channels all come in worse except for one. – Laura S.

I just got a few extra ones. – Tim W.

I routinely rescan every couple of weeks, so it should be interesting as the date approaches. FOX2 in St. Louis is already broadcasting the fact it's going to switch. – Charles G.

This is a great website to have to find out what stations are moving or getting new channels, I don’t miss cable television at all! – Patricia B.

Hopefully we will be able to get a few stations a little more regularly. – Anne D.

Click here for suggested social media posts to inform your viewers when to rescan.

Station Spotlights: WCSH Portland-Auburn, Maine

Check out this videoby WCSH-TV in Portland-Auburn, which features the manufacturing of the new antenna for their station and antenna manufacturer Dielectric.

If your station has produced a video, send us a copy. We’d love to feature it on our blog and in this newsletter.

Station Requests for Reimbursement Lagging

If your station has completed its transition, make sure to finalize close-out procedures and submit final invoices for reimbursement from the FCC. Many stations haven’t completed these final steps even though they have finished the transition, according to the FCC. You can check FCC resources for further information.