Sinclair and APTS Announce Free Virtual Channel Hosting for Public Television Stations Not Yet Transmitting in ATSC 3.0
Sinclair Broadcast Group partners with America’s Public Television Stations to offer free carriage of virtual channels on NEXTGEN Broadcasting Service, enhancing video quality for viewers with HDR technology.
The announcement by Sinclair Broadcast Group to provide carriage of virtual channels for public television stations in NEXTGEN TV markets is a significant development in the broadcast industry. The adoption of ATSC 3.0, also known as NEXTGEN Broadcast Service, represents a major leap in television technology, offering enhanced features such as high dynamic range (HDR) and interactive content. By hosting these virtual channels at no cost, Sinclair is removing a financial barrier for public television stations, potentially accelerating the adoption of ATSC 3.0.
From a technical standpoint, this collaboration could lead to increased viewer engagement due to the improved picture quality and interactive services. Moreover, the ability to access channels seamlessly over the Internet bridges traditional broadcast with modern streaming habits. This hybrid model may prove to be a strategic move as broadcasters seek to retain viewership in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.
Strategically, Sinclair's initiative to support public television stations may enhance its competitive position in the broadcasting sector. By facilitating the transition to NEXTGEN TV, Sinclair is likely to gain goodwill among public broadcasters and viewers alike, which can translate into stronger industry partnerships and potentially increased viewership. Furthermore, the initiative may set a precedent for other private broadcasters to support public television, leading to a more collaborative industry environment.
In terms of market impact, this move could signal Sinclair's commitment to innovation and leadership in broadcasting technology, which might be reflected in investor confidence. As more markets embrace ATSC 3.0, Sinclair could benefit from first-mover advantages, such as establishing standards for broadcasting and advertising models that leverage the new technology's capabilities.
For investors, the implications of Sinclair's announcement are twofold. Firstly, the investment in NEXTGEN TV infrastructure suggests a long-term strategic vision that could lead to new revenue streams, such as targeted advertising and interactive content services. Secondly, the cost implications of providing free carriage to public television stations must be considered. While this may initially impact Sinclair's financials, the potential market expansion and viewer base growth could offset these costs in the long run.
It is essential to monitor how this technology adoption impacts Sinclair's operating expenses and whether the increased market presence translates to tangible financial gains. Investors should also consider the potential for regulatory changes as broadcasting technology evolves, which could affect Sinclair's business model and the broader industry.
03/13/2024 - 11:00 AM
Primes the Pump for NEXTGEN Broadcasting
HUNT VALLEY, Md. & ARLINGTON, Va. --(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Sinclair Broadcast Group, LLC, a subsidiary of Sinclair, Inc. (NASDAQ: SBGI) and America’s Public Television Stations (APTS) today announced that, in markets where Sinclair has deployed NEXTGEN Broadcast Service (ATSC 3.0) and a public television station has not, Sinclair will provide free carriage of a virtual channel from that public television station.
Carriage of a broadcast-enabled virtual channel involves transmitting programming data within the NEXTGEN signal that allows over-the-air viewers with NEXTGEN TVs to see and select the channel in their programming guide and access the channel seamlessly over the Internet. Under this arrangement, Sinclair will provide hosting at no cost to the public television station. The public television stations will also have the option to pass through programming in high dynamic range (HDR), significantly enhancing the video quality to the viewers. Technologies such as Advanced HDR by Technicolor will allow content to be visually enhanced on NEXTGEN TVs that support the improved picture format.
“America’s Public Television Stations are pleased to partner with Sinclair to offer more NEXTGEN service to more public television viewers,” said Patrick Butler, president and CEO of APTS. “ We are proud to have helped public television stations in almost 30 markets make the transition to the NEXTGEN TV broadcast standard. This partnership with Sinclair will help serve local communities while we work with other public television stations to transition to NEXTGEN TV to advance their public service missions.”
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with America’s Public Television Stations to help bring the next generation of television to all viewers,” said Rob Weisbord, Sinclair’s Chief Operating Officer and President of Broadcast. “For public television stations that face challenges in launching NEXTGEN service, we hope that this offer will help get them in the advanced TV game and set the stage for their eventual launch of this spectacular service over the air.”
ATSC 3.0 is a revolutionary over-the-air digital broadcast technology that uses the Internet and digital applications powered by the ATSC 3.0 broadcast standards to present viewers with more news and entertainment choices while providing broadcasters with a more compelling and interactive way to deliver their content.
To date, Sinclair has launched ATSC 3.0 service in 43 markets, 36 of which do not yet have a public television station transmitting in ATSC 3.0. Public television stations interested in this offer can work directly with APTS to learn more.
About Sinclair Broadcast Group:
Sinclair Broadcast Group is a subsidiary of Sinclair Inc., (Nasdaq: SBGI) a diversified media company and a leading provider of local news and sports. The Company owns, operates and/or provides services to 185 television stations in 86 markets affiliated with all the major broadcast networks; owns Tennis Channel and multicast networks Comet, CHARGE!, TBD., and The Nest; and owns and provides services to 21 regional sports network brands. Sinclair’s content is delivered via multiple platforms, including over-the-air, multi-channel video program distributors, and the nation’s largest streaming aggregator of local news content, NewsON. The Company regularly uses its website as a key source of Company information which can be accessed at www.sbgi.net .
About America’s Public Television Stations:
America's Public Television Stations (APTS) is a nonprofit membership organization ensuring a strong and financially sound public television system and helping member stations provide essential public services in education, public safety and civic leadership to the American people. For more information, visit www.apts.org .
Category: General
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240313410762/en/
Jessica Bellucci, jbellucci-c@sbgtv.com
skarp@apts.org
Source: Sinclair, Inc.
What is the partnership between Sinclair Broadcast Group and America’s Public Television Stations about?
The partnership involves Sinclair providing free carriage of virtual channels from public television stations in markets where Sinclair has deployed NEXTGEN Broadcast Service.
What technology is used to enhance video quality for viewers in the partnership?
Technologies such as Advanced HDR by Technicolor are used to pass through programming in high dynamic range (HDR) for improved video quality on NEXTGEN TVs.
How many markets has Sinclair launched ATSC 3.0 service in?
Sinclair has launched ATSC 3.0 service in 43 markets, with 36 of them not yet having a public television station transmitting in ATSC 3.0.
What is the goal of the partnership between Sinclair and APTS?
The goal is to help public television stations transition to the NEXTGEN TV broadcast standard to offer more advanced TV services to viewers.
