CPB To Fund Mobile DTV Initiative

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting announced today that it will provide public television stations in 20 markets with funding to begin delivering mobile digital television (DTV) programming by the end of 2011.

With the help of more than $2 million in grants from CPB, stations can purchase and install mobile DTV equipment that will enable them to broadcast public television programming to mobile and handheld devices in their respective service areas.

“Mobile devices are rapidly becoming an integral part of our everyday lives, and consumers expect access to the same content that they get from their television, radio or computer, even when they’re on the go,” said Mark Erstling, SVP, system development and media strategy, CPB. “Through the use of new innovations, such as mobile DTV, people can now access the unique programming they’ve come to expect from public television – from award-winning educational shows and in-depth investigative news to emergency alerts – no matter where they are.”

CPB said the investment in mobile DTV is in line with its “commitment to strengthen the quality of public media’s digital content and reach new audiences. Public television joins several other commercial broadcasters in their goal to eventually provide a new national mobile video service.”

CPB plans to offer a second round of grant funding for additional stations next year.