NextGen TV Debuts On 5 Nashville Stations

Five of Nashville’s network-affiliates — WTVF (CBS), WKRN (ABC), WZTV (Fox), WUXP (MNT) and WNAB (CW) — today became the latest in the nation to begin broadcasting with NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0).

The Nashville launch follows a decade of development of the new technology and a year of planning and preparation by the local stations.

BitPath, which is developing new data broadcasting services, led the planning and coordinated efforts across the five stations.

The participating stations have cooperated to ensure that all existing programming remains available to all viewers, regardless of whether they receive their television service by antenna, or by cable or satellite. Antenna viewers should simply rescan their TV sets to ensure full service. Rescan instructions are available at: http://mytv30web.com. Cable and satellite subscribers do not need to take any action.

Mark Aitken, SVP of advanced technology for Sinclair Broadcast Group, owner of WZTV and WUXP, said: “Innovation in the arts is in the soul of Nashville. It’s only appropriate then for us to usher in the latest revolution in broadcast technology. We are excited to bring the benefits of NextGen TV to Music City and introduce our viewers to an extraordinary new TV experience.”

“The rollout of NextGen TV in Nashville represents another strong step forward in bringing a new and modern broadcasting experience to audiences across the country,” said Scripps Local Media President Brian Lawlor. “Local television has long provided a platform to tell the stories that both inform and engage, and today we continue to see the pivotal role it plays in capturing the stories of a generation. With the technology enhancements of NextGen TV, Nashville broadcasters will be able to continue serving families with even greater storytelling capabilities.”

“Nexstar is pleased to continue building the momentum for NextGen TV with this rollout at WKRN, our Nashville television station,” said Brett Jenkins, Nexstar EVP and chief technology officer.  “This process becomes easier with each deployment we execute, and we are excited about the innovations ahead as we move toward significant viewer upgrades in the visual experience, interoperability with the internet, and the ability to better target advertising.”

Dennis Breckey, station manager of WNAB, said: “Nashville is a strong community with a history of meeting challenges head-on and embracing innovation. We are proud to be a part of that by providing this new technology to help Middle Tennessee stay informed, entertained and connected in more ways than ever before.”

John Hane, President of BitPath, said: “The launch of five stations in Nashville today marks the largest ATSC 3.0 deployment BitPath’s transition team has supported to date. WZTV, WUXP and WKRN will be charter participants when we launch BitPath’s data broadcasting network and will bring new coverage and significant capacity depth. We look forward bringing exciting new wireless data broadcasting services to Nashville’s businesses and citizens.”