Major Broadcasters Launch NEXTGEN TV on Five Local TV Stations in Cincinnati, OH

CINCINNATI – (COMMERCIAL THREAD) – Major Cincinnati TV stations today began broadcasting with NEXTGEN TV, a revolutionary new digital broadcasting technology. Today’s launch includes WCPO-TV (ABC), WKRC-TV (CBS), WLWT (NBC), WXIX-TV (FOX) and WSTR-TV (MyNet).

Based on the same fundamental technology as the Internet and digital applications, NEXTGEN TV can support a wide range of features currently in development. In addition to providing broadcasters with a new and improved way to reach viewers with advanced emergency alerts, NEXTGEN TV delivers stunning video with brilliant colors, sharper images, and deeper contrast to create a more lifelike experience.

NEXTGEN TV adds a new dimension to television, with vibrant video and a further enhancement of the Voice + dialogue that puts voices at the forefront. Cinema-quality sound allows viewers to hear every voice clearly and maintain a constant volume across all channels. NEXTGEN TV can also be enhanced with Internet content to allow viewers to get the most out of live sports, live news and live events in real time, without leaving the TV screen.

Aerial viewers without NEXTGEN TVs can simply re-scan their TVs to ensure uninterrupted service. Rescan instructions are available at: fcc.gov/rescan. Cable and satellite subscribers do not need to take any action.

Powered by ATSC 3.0, NEXTGEN TV is the most significant broadcast technology upgrade ever. The features available on NEXTGEN TV will vary by device and station as broadcasters roll out the service across the country.

Today’s launch in Cincinnati follows a decade of development and months of planning and preparation by local resorts. WSTR-TV, owned by Deerfield Media, has converted to ATSC 3.0 transmissions. WSTR-TV will broadcast its own programming, as well as the programming of the other participating stations, in the NEXTGEN TV format. All programming from all participating stations will continue to be available in the existing DTV format, which can be received on all modern televisions. BitPath, which is developing new data streaming services, led the planning process and coordinated efforts between the five TV stations.

From Seattle, Washington to Washington, DC, the NEXTGEN TV service is already on the air in more than 30 cities across the country. Cincinnati viewers can learn more about NEXTGEN TV by visiting www.WatchNextGenTV.com, which has a guide listing the cities currently offering the service, as well as links to available NEXTGEN TV models.

About WCPO-TV – Scripps

WCPO-TV is a Cincinnati-based station owned and operated by The EW Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP), a diverse media company focused on creating a better informed world. As the country’s fourth largest local television broadcaster, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of 61 stations in 41 markets. The Scripps networks reach almost all Americans through the national media Court TV and Newsy and the popular entertainment brands ION, Bounce, Grit, Laff, Court TV Mystery, Defy TV and TrueReal. Scripps is the largest holder of broadcast spectrum in the country. Scripps runs an award-winning investigative newsroom in Washington, DC, and is the longtime steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Founded in 1878, Scripps has for decades adhered to the motto “Give light and people will find their own way.”

About WKRC-TV – Sinclair

WKRC-TV is a leading television station in Cincinnati, OH, owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SBGI), a diverse media company and a leading provider of sports and local news. WKRC-TV is affiliated with the CBS 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 one of the main providers of local information in the country; has several national networks; and has television stations affiliated with all the major broadcast networks. Sinclair content is delivered through multiple platforms, including multi-channel live video program distributors and digital platforms. For more information, please visit https://local12.com/ and sbgi.net.

About WLWT – Hearst Television

WLWT is owned by Hearst Television. Hearst Television owns and operates 33 television stations and two radio stations serving 26 media markets in 39 states and reaching over 21 million US television households. Through its partnership with nearly every major network, Hearst Television distributes national content to over 70 video channels, including shows from ABC, NBC, CBS, CW, MY Net, MeTV, This TV, Estrella and more. Hearst Television is recognized as one of the industry’s premier companies and has received numerous awards for distinguished journalism, industry innovation and community service. Hearst Television is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hearst.

About WSTR-TV – Deerfield Media

WSTR-TV and Deerfield Media (Cincinnati), Inc. are members of the Deerfield Media group of television stations, which serves ten television markets in the United States. Specializing in local sports programming, the group has operations in Park City, UT, Reno-Lake Tahoe, NV and Vail / Beaver Creek, CO, which assist in the production of local sports programs and professional athletes for syndication to across the United States. Original programming produced by Deerfield Media, such as LINE, can be seen here on WSTR-TV. In addition, Deerfield Media (Mountain Resort), Inc. is a leading video production company serving customers throughout the Intermountain West region.

About BitPath

BitPath is building the nation’s first dedicated broadcast data network to deliver innovative new wireless services at a fraction of the cost of cellular systems. Based in Arlington, Virginia, the BitPath network will launch in dozens of cities this year, with further launches in 2022. For more information, visit bitpath.com.