–St. Louis’ leading television stations today began broadcasting
with NEXTGEN TV, a revolutionary new digital broadcast technology based on the same
fundamental technology as the Internet and digital applications. Today’s launch includes KDNL-TV
(ABC), KMOV (CBS), KSDK (NBC), KTVI (FOX) and KPLR-TV (CW).
NEXTGEN TV can support a wide range of features that are currently in development. In addition to
providing a new, improved way for broadcasters to reach viewers with advanced emergency alerts,
NEXTGEN TV features stunning video with brilliant color, sharper images and deeper contrast to
create a more life-like experience.
NEXTGEN TV adds a new dimension to TV viewing, with vibrant video and new Voice+ dialogue
enhancement that brings voices to the foreground. Movie theater-quality sound lets viewers hear
every voice clearly and keeps volume consistent across channels. NEXTGEN TV also can be
enhanced with Internet content to enable viewers to get the most out of live sports, live news, and
live events in real-time, without looking away from the TV screen.
Powered by ATSC 3.0, NEXTGEN TV is the most significant broadcast technology upgrade ever.
Features available on NEXTGEN TV will vary by device and station as broadcasters roll out service
across the country. Antenna viewers without NEXTGEN TV sets can simply rescan their TV sets to
ensure uninterrupted service. Rescan instructions are available at: fcc.gov/rescan. Cable and satellite
subscribers do not need to take any action.
Today’s launch in St. Louis follows a decade of development and months of planning and preparation
by the local stations in the market. Owned by Nexstar Media Inc., KPLR-TV has converted to ATSC
3.0 transmissions and will broadcast both its own programming and the programming of the other
participating stations in NEXTGEN TV format. The programming of all the participating stations
will continue to be available in the existing DTV format, which can be received on all modern
television sets. BitPath, which is developing new data broadcasting services, led the planning process
and deployment efforts across the five television stations.
From Seattle, Washington, to Washington, D.C., NEXTGEN TV service is already on the air in more
than 30 cities across the country. St. Louis viewers can learn more about NEXTGEN TV by
visiting www.WatchNextGenTV.com, which offers a guide listing cities currently carrying the
service, as well as links to available NEXTGEN TV set models.
About KDNL-TV – Sinclair
KDNL-TV is a leading St. Louis, MO television station owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast
Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SBGI), a diversified media company and leading provider of local sports
and news. KDNL-TV is affiliated with the ABC network. Sinclair owns and/or operates 21 regional
sports network brands; owns, operates and/or provides services to 185 television stations in 86
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. For more information, please visit https://abcstlouis.com/ and sbgi.net.
About KMOV – Meredith
KMOV is owned by Meredith Corporation. Meredith Corporation (NYSE: MDP), a leading media
company for nearly 120 years, produces service journalism that engages audiences with essential,
inspiring, and trusted content. Meredith reaches consumers where they are across multiple
platforms, including digital, video, magazine, and broadcast television. Meredith’s Local Media
Group portfolio includes 17 television stations reaching 11 percent of U.S. households and 30
million viewers. Meredith’s portfolio is concentrated in large, fast-growing markets, with seven
stations in the nation’s Top 25 markets, including Atlanta, Phoenix, St. Louis, and Portland, and 13
stations in the Top 50.
About KSDK – TEGNA
KSDK is the NBC affiliate in St. Louis, Missouri, and is owned by TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA),
an innovative media company that owns and operates 64 stations in 51 markets. To learn more,
visit: https://www.ksdk.com/.
About KTVI and KPLR-TV – Nexstar
KTVI and KPLR-TV are leading television stations in St. Louis, MO, owned and operated by Nexstar
Media Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: NXST). Nexstar is
the nation’s largest operator of local television stations and a leading diversified media company that
leverages localism to bring new services and value to consumers and advertisers through its
broadcasting, digital and mobile media platforms. KTVI is affiliated with the FOX network and
KPLR-TV is affiliated with the CW network.
About BitPath
BitPath is building the nation’s first dedicated broadcast data network to provide innovative new
wireless services at a fraction of the cost of cellular systems. Based in Arlington, Virginia, the BitPath
network will launch this year covering dozens of cities, with more launches in 2022. For more
information, visit bitpath.com.