Sinclair and Nebraska Public Media Announce Launch of First Station Offering Free Virtual Channel Hosting in ATSC 3.0

Rhea-AI Summary

Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nebraska Public Media have launched the first free Broadcast-Enabled Streaming TV (BEST) Channel in Omaha, Nebraska. This innovative service allows Nebraska Public Media's PBS and local programming to be hosted on Sinclair's KPTM FOX 42 station as a free, virtual channel using NEXTGEN broadcast technology (ATSC 3.0).

BEST channels transmit programming directly over-the-air to smart TVs using the host broadcaster's NEXTGEN broadcast data channel capacity. Viewers with NEXTGEN TVs can easily access these channels through their programming guide. This launch is part of a broader agreement between Sinclair and America's Public Television Stations (APTS) to provide free carriage of APTS member stations in markets where Sinclair has deployed ATSC 3.0 and a public television station has not.

Positive

• Launch of first free Broadcast-Enabled Streaming TV (BEST) Channel in Omaha
• Collaboration between Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nebraska Public Media
• Utilization of NEXTGEN broadcast technology (ATSC 3.0) for enhanced viewer experience
• Free carriage agreement with America's Public Television Stations (APTS)

Negative

• None.

Insights

Technology Analyst

The launch of the first free Broadcast-Enabled Streaming TV (BEST) Channel in Omaha marks a significant step in the evolution of television broadcasting. This collaboration between Sinclair and Nebraska Public Media leverages NEXTGEN broadcasting (ATSC 3.0) technology to offer a hybrid over-the-air and internet-based viewing experience.

Key points to consider:

• This initiative could potentially increase viewership for public broadcasting content by making it more accessible on smart TVs.
• It demonstrates Sinclair's commitment to advancing ATSC 3.0 technology, which could position them as a leader in the evolving broadcast landscape.
• The free virtual channel hosting model could become a template for future partnerships between commercial and public broadcasters.

While innovative, the immediate financial impact on Sinclair is likely minimal. The long-term value lies in establishing a foothold in NEXTGEN broadcasting and potentially creating new revenue streams through advanced advertising capabilities and data services enabled by ATSC 3.0.

Primes the Pump for NEXTGEN Broadcasting

OMAHA, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Sinclair Broadcast Group, LLC, a subsidiary of Sinclair, Inc. (NASDAQ: SBGI), and Nebraska Public Media announced the launch of the first free Broadcast-Enabled Streaming TV (“BEST”) Channel in Omaha, Nebraska. Nebraska Public Media’s PBS and local programming is now hosted on KPTM FOX 42, Sinclair’s station in Omaha, as a free, virtual channel in addition to its other programming offerings.

BEST channels are transmissions that provide programming directly over-the-air to smart TVs using the NEXTGEN broadcast data channel capacity of a host broadcaster. Viewers with NEXTGEN TVs can view and select the channel in their programming guide and access the channel seamlessly over the internet.

Sinclair and America’s Public Television Stations (APTS) previously announced that Sinclair would provide carriage of APTS member stations for free in markets where Sinclair has deployed NEXTGEN Broadcast Service (ATSC 3.0) and a public television station has not. The launch in Omaha is the first under this unique, forward-looking arrangement. Nebraska Public Media’s virtual channel delivers programming in high dynamic range (SL-HDR1), significantly enhancing video quality for viewers.

Peter Clowney, Chief Operating Officer for Nebraska Public Media, said, “We are proud to be the vanguard in offering this unique service to our Omaha viewers. Our partnership with KPTM will help ‘prime the pump’ for full NEXTGEN Broadcast Service as the national rollout of this technology continues.”

Kate Riley, President and CEO of APTS, said, “This is an excellent example of commercial and public broadcasters cooperating to bring the remarkable NEXTGEN Broadcast Service to more public television viewers and to enhance public television stations services to their local communities.”

“We are thrilled to announce the successful launch of this service in conjunction with our public broadcasting friends at Nebraska Public Media,” said Rob Weisbord, Sinclair’s Chief Operating Officer and President of Broadcast. “For public television stations that have not yet launched NEXTGEN service, we hope that this partnership will demonstrate the tremendous upside to using this new transmission technology.”

NEXTGEN Broadcasting is a revolutionary over-the-air digital broadcast technology that uses the internet and digital applications powered by the ATSC 3.0 broadcast standard to present viewers with more news and entertainment choices while providing broadcasters with a more compelling and interactive way to deliver their content.

About Sinclair Broadcast Group:

Sinclair Broadcast Group is a subsidiary of Sinclair Inc., (Nasdaq: SBGI) a diversified media company and a leading provider of local news and sports. The Company owns, operates and/or provides services to 185 television stations in 86 markets affiliated with all the major broadcast networks; owns Tennis Channel and multicast networks Comet, CHARGE!, TBD., and The Nest. Sinclair’s content is delivered via multiple platforms, including over-the-air, multi-channel video program distributors, and the nation’s largest streaming aggregator of local news content, NewsON. The Company regularly uses its website as a key source of Company information which can be accessed at www.sbgi.net.

About America’s Public Television Stations:

America's Public Television Stations (APTS) is a nonprofit membership organization ensuring a strong and financially sound public television system and helping member stations provide essential public services in education, public safety and civic leadership to their local communities and the American people. For more information, visit www.apts.org.

About Nebraska Public Media:

Nebraska Public Media has connected citizens with news, sports, education and entertainment since 1954. Providing global and compelling stories from PBS and NPR, the statewide public media network also produces award-winning local content. Its programs and services reach Nebraskans on television, radio, online, social media and mobile apps. Visit NebraskaPublicMedia.org for more information.

Category: General

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241016288080/en/

Jessica Bellucci, jbellucci-c@sbgtv.com

Stacey Karp, skarp@apts.org

Kim Rogers, krogers@nebraskapublicmedia.org

Source: Sinclair, Inc.

FAQ

What is the BEST Channel launched by Sinclair (SBGI) and Nebraska Public Media?

The BEST Channel is a free Broadcast-Enabled Streaming TV channel launched in Omaha, Nebraska, allowing Nebraska Public Media's PBS and local programming to be hosted on Sinclair's KPTM FOX 42 station as a virtual channel using NEXTGEN broadcast technology (ATSC 3.0).

How can viewers access the new BEST Channel in Omaha?

Viewers with NEXTGEN TVs can access the BEST Channel through their programming guide, where it appears as a free, virtual channel alongside other programming offerings.

What is the significance of Sinclair's (SBGI) agreement with America's Public Television Stations (APTS)?

Sinclair has agreed to provide free carriage of APTS member stations in markets where Sinclair has deployed NEXTGEN Broadcast Service (ATSC 3.0) and a public television station has not, expanding access to public television content.

What technology is used for the BEST Channel launched by Sinclair (SBGI)?

The BEST Channel uses NEXTGEN broadcast technology (ATSC 3.0), which allows for direct over-the-air transmission of programming to smart TVs using the host broadcaster's data channel capacity.