Broadcasters Moving Quickly to Bring Next-Generation Television to Viewers
Washington, D.C. – Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017 – Pearl TV, a broadcasting business group that represents more than 360 network-affiliated stations, today congratulated the Federal Communications Commission for its future-oriented decision that will permit transmission of ATSC 3.0 Next Generation TV signals, on a voluntary basis, on over-the-air TV stations across the U.S.
“We congratulate the FCC and their pro-innovation vote that has the potential to transform television viewing. Broadcasters will move quickly to take advantage of the new features and capabilities of broadcast television made possible by Next Gen TV. Beginning with our Model Market in Phoenix, Pearl members and other broadcasters are poised to fine-tune the remaining technical issues and begin delivering even better quality video and audio to viewers. At the same time, we are cognizant of the concerns raised by some Commissioners and we will work hard to ensure that the benefits of broadcasting continue to be widely available during the deployment of Next Gen TV. Today’s vote is a solid confirmation that broadcasting has an essential role to play for public safety and bringing next generation content to viewers,” said Pearl TV Managing Director Anne Schelle.
Earlier this week, Pearl announced the first collaborative single-market effort to plan for and implement a transition to next-generation over-the-air television broadcasting. The Phoenix, Arizona Model Market includes E.W. Scripps Company, Fox Television Stations, Meredith Local Media Group, Nexstar Media Group, TEGNA, Telemundo Station Group, Univision Communications, and Pearl TV. Ten Arizona broadcasters are working on a comprehensive effort planned for the Phoenix TV market to show how next-generation ATSC 3.0 technology can be deployed while maintaining existing digital TV service for viewers.
# # #
About Pearl:
Pearl TV is a business organization of U.S. broadcast companies with a shared interest in exploring forward-looking broadcasting opportunities, including innovative ways of promoting local broadcast TV content and developing digital media and wireless platforms for the broadcast industry. Its membership, comprising more than 360 network-affiliated TV stations, consists of eight of the largest broadcast companies in America including: Cox Media Group, the E.W. Scripps Company, Graham Media Group, Hearst Television Inc., Meredith Local Media Group, Nexstar Media Group Inc., Raycom Media, and TEGNA Inc.
Pearl TV Media Contact:
Dave Arland, Arland Communications
(317) 701-0084