Five Oklahoma City Stations Roll Out ATSC 3.0

Five Oklahoma City, stations — KOCO (ABC), KFOR (NBC), KOKH (Fox), KOCB (CW) and KAUT (IND) — have begun broadcasting with NextGen TV or ATSC 3.0.

Based on the same fundamental technology as the Internet, digital applications, and other web services, NextGen TV can support a wide range of features currently in development, such as immersive audio and video (up to 4K), broadcasting to mobile devices, personalized viewing tools, and advanced emergency alerts providing rich media instead of simple text messages.

NextGen TV also allows full integration with 5G and other broadband-delivered Internet content.

BitPath, which is developing new data broadcasting services, led the planning process and coordinated efforts across the seven television stations. The participating stations have cooperated to ensure that current programming remains available to all viewers, regardless of whether their television service is provided over-the air or by a cable or satellite company.

“KOCO-TV and Hearst Television are excited to be among the first in the country to launch NextGen TV, providing the viewers in Oklahoma the most innovative television viewing experience available,” said Brent Hensley, KOCO president-general manager.

“Nexstar is extremely pleased to be rolling out NextGen TV in yet another one of our markets,” said Brett Jenkins, executive vice president and chief technology officer for Nexstar Media, owner of KFOR and KAUT. “Today’s rollout continues the momentum established during the last several months and is a clear demonstration that the deployment process is getting more and more efficient. We are excited to begin delivering an enhanced visual and audio experience for our viewers and to begin exploring new Internet-based products and services for our advertising and marketing clients in Oklahoma City.”

Mark Aitken, senior vice president of advanced technology for Sinclair Broadcast Group, owner of KOKH and KOCB, said: “Settled by courageous pioneers, Oklahoma City is rightly proud of its traditions as an innovation leader. We are excited to usher in the latest revolution in broadcast technology to the Big Friendly, bringing our viewers an unparalleled new TV experience.”

John Hane, president of BitPath, said: “Oklahoma City marks the seventh launch of ATSC 3.0 for BitPath this year and our second launch on the important I-35 corridor. We congratulate Nexstar, Sinclair and Hearst on their tireless efforts to keep the rollout of ATSC 3.0 on track in this challenging year. Four of the stations launching today — KFOR-TV, KOKH-TV, KOCB and KAUT — will be charter members of BitPath’s broadcast data network. These leading stations will bring new coverage to BitPath’s network and exciting new wireless data broadcasting services to Oklahoma City.”