Seven Portland, OR, Stations Launch ATSC 3.0

Seven television stations in Portland, Ore. (DMA 22) — KATU (ABC), KOIN (CBS), KGW (NBC), KPTV (Fox), KOPB (PBS), KRCW (CW) and KPDX (MNT) — on Tuesday began 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.

Tom Casey, vice president of engineering and technology for Meredith’s Local Media Group, owner of KPTV and KPDX, said: “Meredith has long been committed to bringing forward NextGenTV, and we’re excited for this first step of many as we work to best serve our communities with cutting edge technology.”

“Today’s launch in Portland marks an important milestone in our effort to upgrade the television viewing experience for Nexstar’s consumers and advertisers,” said Brett Jenkins, EVP and chief technology officer for Nexstar, owner of KOIN and KRCW. “This deployment of NextGen TV in a key top-25 market not only continues the momentum we have built over the last several weeks with the roll-out of this advanced technology in markets such as Las Vegas, Nashville and Salt Lake City, it further enhances the value of Nexstar’s spectrum by enabling us to deliver the highest-quality viewing experience in tandem with Internet-based information and hyper-targeted advertising. The day is rapidly approaching when we will be able to provide the full suite of benefits of NextGen TV to all of the communities served by Nexstar television stations across the country.”

Mark Aitken, SVP of advanced technology for Sinclair Broadcast Group, owner of KATU, said: “150 years ago, Portland was in the midst of an era of phenomenal growth.  A century and a half later, it is only appropriate for us to nurture a new technological growth spurt for this dynamic city.  We are quite excited to introduce the exciting benefits of NextGen TV to the residents of Portland, providing them an extraordinary new viewing experience.”

“The future of television in Portland begins today, as the launch of NextGen TV opens the door for innovations that offer a more enriching experience for viewers across platforms,” said Kurt Rao, SVP And Chief Technology Officer of Tegna, which owns KGW. “Tegna is proud to have partnered with other local broadcasters to bring NextGen TV to Portland, and we look forward to expanding this new and exciting technology to more TEGNA markets.”

Steven Bass, President and CEO of Oregon Public Broadcasting, owner of KOPB, said: “As a public service organization, OPB is pleased to join our broadcasting colleagues in bringing a new level of service to residents of our region.”

John Hane, President of BitPath, said: “Today’s launch marks the largest ATSC 3.0 deployment supported by BitPath’s transition team to date.  KOIN, KATU and KRCW will soon join more than two dozen other leading ATSC 3.0 television stations as charter participants in the groundbreaking data broadcasting network being launched by BitPath later this year. We look forward to bringing exciting new data broadcasting services to the greater Portland area.”