LAS VEGAS, May 26, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Sinclair
Broadcast Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SBGI), Nexstar Media Group, Inc,
(NASDAQ: NXST), and The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP), three
of the nation's leading local television broadcasters, announce
that their Las Vegas television
stations began broadcasting today in NEXTGEN TV powered by ATSC
3.0. NEXTGEN TV is a new broadcasting technology delivering
dramatically improved audio and video experiences for consumers and
interoperability with Internet-delivered content. NEXTGEN TV is the
most significant broadcast technology upgrade ever, enabling the
full integration of enhanced broadcast television service into the
digital and mobile lifestyles of today's consumers.
![SBG logo SBG logo](https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/455827/Sinclair_Broadcast_Group_Logo.jpg)
NEXTGEN TV will launch on four of Las
Vegas' leading broadcast stations, including Sinclair's KSNV
(NBC) and KVCW (CW), Nexstar's KLAS (CBS), and Scripps' KTNV (ABC).
Today's launch marks the nation's first full-power, multi-station
commercial deployment of NEXTGEN TV and follows more than a year of
planning and preparation by Sinclair, Nexstar, Scripps and their
local Las Vegas stations. BitPath (formerly Spectrum Co), which is
developing new data broadcasting services, led the planning and
coordinated efforts across the three media companies. BitPath
and industry consortium Pearl TV are working together to accelerate
the rollout of NEXTGEN TV across the country.
Based on the same fundamental technology as the Internet,
digital apps, and other web services, NEXTGEN TV's over-the-air
signals can be easily integrated with broadband or 5G communication
to create rich and engaging experiences, including customizable
features based on user preferences and targeted programming.
No longer bound to fixed TV monitors, NEXTGEN TV can support
4K video and immersive audio and will
allow broadcasters to deliver high-quality service to mobile users
with an increased level of security and privacy. ATSC 3.0 will also
power an advanced emergency alert system currently in development,
enhancing the ability of local broadcasters to deliver critical
safety information to viewers.
Even as they bring NEXTGEN TV to Las
Vegas, the participating stations have cooperated to ensure
that current programming remains available to all of the area's
viewers, regardless of whether they receive their television
service over-the-air, or via cable or satellite.
Over-the-air viewers will experience no interruption in
service if they simply rescan their TV sets. Rescan
instructions are available at https://news3lv.com. Cable and
satellite subscribers do not need to take any action.
"Today's announcement is the realization of two decades of work,
and we are proud to share this moment with Nexstar and Scripps as
we usher in a new era of television with NEXTGEN TV," said
Chris Ripley, Sinclair's
President and Chief Executive Officer. "With Las Vegas leading the
way, select audiences will soon enjoy a more personalized and
immersive experience, with better access to news and media than
ever before. Looking ahead, we are eager for continued
collaboration within our industry to fully realize the promise of
NEXTGEN TV, and are excited to bring this innovation to audiences
across the country, forever changing the way we use, and think of,
broadcast television."
Perry Sook, Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of Nexstar, the nation's largest local
broadcaster, commented, "Our successful collaboration with Sinclair
and Scripps has brought NEXTGEN TV to Las Vegas. We look
forward to cooperating with other broadcasters to roll out this new
technology across the country. During the current pandemic, more
viewers are turning to their local broadcast television stations
for the latest news and information, and NEXTGEN TV will improve
the total television viewing experience. ATSC 3.0 also allows
us to launch innovative applications in mobile, the Internet of
Things, and broadcast data."
"Scripps is thrilled to partner with Sinclair and Nexstar in the
first commercial launch of NEXTGEN TV in the
country. Residents of Las
Vegas will be among the first in the country to enjoy the
immersive audio and video experience associated with this technical
advancement," said Brian
Lawlor, President of Local Media for Scripps. "As we
have seen in recent weeks, local television continues to play a
critical role in the information and entertainment needs of
families across America. Las Vegas will shortly benefit from
an exciting modern viewing experience from local broadcasters."
John Hane, President of
the industry consortium BitPath, which is enabling NEXTGEN TV
rollouts, said, "BitPath is pleased to join leading broadcasters to
bring transformational new services to the nation. Using the
same technology that powers NEXTGEN TV, BitPath will launch
innovative new services and bring important new revenue streams to
broadcasters."
About Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.
Sinclair is a diversified media company and leading provider of
local sports and news. The Company owns and/or operates 23 regional
sports network brands; owns, operates and/or provides services to
191 television stations in 89 markets; is a leading local news
provider in the country; owns multiple national networks; and has
TV stations affiliated with all the major broadcast networks.
Sinclair's content is delivered via multiple-platforms, including
over-the-air, multi-channel video program distributors, and digital
platforms. The Company regularly uses its website as a key source
of Company information which can be accessed at www.sbgi.net.
About Nexstar Media Group, Inc.
Nexstar Media Group is a leading diversified media company that
leverages localism to bring new services and value to consumers and
advertisers through its traditional media, digital and mobile media
platforms. Nexstar owns, operates, programs or provides sales and
other services to 196 television stations and related digital
multicast signals reaching 114 markets or approximately 38% of all
U.S. television households (reflecting the FCC's UHF discount).
Nexstar's portfolio includes primary affiliates of NBC, CBS, ABC,
FOX, MyNetworkTV and The CW. Nexstar's community portal websites
offer additional hyper-local content and verticals for consumers
and advertisers, allowing audiences to choose where, when and how
they access content while creating new revenue opportunities.
Nexstar also owns WGN America, a growing national general
entertainment cable network and a 31.3% ownership stake in TV Food
Network, a top tier cable asset. For more information please
visit www.nexstar.tv.
About The E.W. Scripps Company
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) advances
understanding of the world through journalism. As the nation's
fourth-largest independent TV station owner, Scripps operates 60
television stations in 42 markets. Scripps empowers the next
generation of news consumers with its multiplatform news network
Newsy and reaches growing audiences through broadcast networks
including Bounce and Court TV. Shaping the future of storytelling
through digital audio, Scripps owns top podcast company Stitcher
and Triton, the global leader in technology and measurement
services. Scripps runs an award-winning investigative reporting
newsroom in Washington, D.C., and
is the longtime steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Founded in 1878, Scripps has held for decades to the motto, "Give
light and the people will find their own way."
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SOURCE Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.