Sinclair Broadcast Group’s Local TV stations have been investigating the possibilities on offer with the arrival of the ATSC 3.0 and 5G technology that is making its way across the U.S. As part of the roll-out of the latest technology local TV stations around the U.S. have been looking into the possibilities offered by the NEXTGEN TV technology. This new form of TV will combine the best in traditional broadcasting with the delivery of information in a style similar to that offered through the Internet.
Sinclair Broadcast Group Takes On Digital TV Broadcasting
The decision to release the NEXTGEN TV system has been taken by a group of local TV stations based in Oklahoma City, including one that is part of the expanding Sinclair Broadcast Group. Sinclair has recently been adding to its network of local broadcasters with the purchase of two Washington D.C. stations that have the high-powered broadcasting capacity required to launch NEXTGEN TV. The switch to digital TV broadcasting that took place a decade ago was developed with the hope that technologies similar to NEXTGEN TV would be launched and would allow interaction between viewer and broadcaster.
NEXTGEN TV Comes to Oklahoma
Five local broadcasters in Oklahoma City have signed up to be part of the trial run for NEXTGEN TV. These broadcasters include the Sinclair-owned KOKH-TV and KOCB, which operate under the Fox and CW banners respectively. The broadcasters involved in the trial run of the NEXTGEN TV system have been preparing for the launch of the system that took place on October 8, 2020, and saw a new way of obtaining information through TV systems.
NEXTGEN TV is more closely linked to the Internet than it is to traditional TV broadcasting with the system allowing vast amounts of information to be passed to viewers. One of the most impressive aspects of the use of NEXTGEN TV is the ability of broadcasters to provide far more information regarding severe weather warnings and amber alerts. The traditional broadcasting system allows text to roll across the screen giving details of the warnings being provided. These messages will be improved upon with rich media taking the role of text for the stations that have already moved forward with the NEXTGEN TV launch.
Sinclair Broadcast Group and NEXTGEN TV Innovate
The role of Sinclair Broadcast Group in the launch of NEXTGEN TV has been a major one with the five local broadcasters in Oklahoma City coming together to plan and create a different way of delivering TV and information to their customers. Sinclair Broadcast Group‘s Mark Aitken, Senior Vice President of Advanced Technology assured the people of Oklahoma City they are at the tip of the iceberg when it comes to broadcasting innovation. Aitken praised the city as an innovation leader that has always remained at the heart of the latest advances in technology.
Sinclair Broadcast Group and their broadcasting partners in Oklahoma City have worked alongside the BitPath group to ensure the framework is in place to get the most out of the available technology. The challenges that have been seen in 2020 have been navigated safely by Sinclair Broadcast Group and the other broadcasters alongside BitPath as the companies come together to develop this new technology. In the coming years, Sinclair’s KOKH-TV and KOCB will remain linked to BitPath as charter members of their broadcast data network.
About Sinclair Broadcast Group
Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country. Sinclair owns and operates, programs or provides sales services to more television stations than anyone and has affiliations with all the major networks. In addition, Sinclair is the leading local news provider in the country, as well as a producer of sports content. Sinclair owns a multicast network, four radio stations, and a cable network. Sinclair’s broadcast content is delivered via multiple platforms, including over-the-air, multi-channel video program distributors, and digital platforms. Sinclair, either directly or through its venture subsidiaries, makes equity investments in strategic companies. Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. was founded in 1986, went public in 1995, and is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol SBGI.
Throughout our history, Sinclair Broadcast Group has been at the forefront of industry-changing events and technological advances. Our vision and first-to-market mentality drive our ‘next generation’ thinking; stimulating conversations, innovating through our expertise, and advocating for the development of technology and evolving business models.
As a leading over-the-air broadcast television company, our primary business is to engage consumers on multiple platforms with relevant and compelling news, entertainment, and sports content, and to provide advertisers and business efficient means and value to connect with our mass audiences. We recognize the vital role broadcast television plays in branding and local content delivery, and therefore strive to constantly be at the forefront of leading-edge technology and structures to advance the industry
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