Key Points
- Weigel Broadcasting is opposing efforts to mandate a nationwide transition from ATSC 1.0 to ATSC 3.0, warning the FCC that forced shift could raise costs and limit access to free TV.
- Weigel argues ATSC 3.0 has not yet delivered sufficient consumer benefits to justify ending ATSC 1.0 broadcasts.
- The company raised concerns about impacts on rural viewers and emergency alert reliability without internet connectivity; the broadcaster is urging regulators to maintain simulcasting rules and adopt safeguards to preserve free over-the-air service.
Weigel Broadcasting is continuing its push against proposals that would establish a mandatory end date for ATSC 1.0 television broadcasts, telling federal regulators that a forced transition to ATSC 3.0 could increase costs for viewers and undermine free access to broadcast TV.
In meetings with FCC officials this week, executives from the broadcaster reiterated concerns first raised earlier this year regarding the National Association of Broadcasters’ proposal to establish a nationwide transition deadline for NextGen TV.
Weigel President Evan Feldman and Vice President of Technology Kyle Walker met with representatives from the offices of FCC Commissioners Olivia Trusty and Anna Gomez, as well as Acting Media Bureau Chief Alex Sanjenis and other bureau staff, according to an ex parte filing submitted to the Commission.
The broadcaster owns stations in several major markets, including Chicago and Milwaukee, and operates a portfolio of digital television networks like Me TV, Story Television and Heroes & Icons, which are widely distributed via the current broadcast standard.
In its filing, Weigel argued that ATSC 3.0 has yet to demonstrate sufficient consumer benefits to justify a mandated transition away from the current ATSC 1.0 standard. The company maintains NextGen TV risks making broadcast TV more expensive and complicated for consumers while potentially encouraging broadcasters to prioritize non-broadcast revenue opportunities such as datacasting, gambling applications and subscription-based services.
Weigel also warned that rural viewers and households with limited internet connectivity could be disproportionately affected by a forced transition.
As an alternative, the broadcaster is urging the FCC to maintain existing simulcasting and substantially similar programming requirements until consumer adoption reaches meaningful levels. Under current rules, broadcasters deploying ATSC 3.0 generally must continue offering an ATSC 1.0 version of their primary programming stream.
The company is also advocating for the adoption of a dedicated “Broadcast Physical Layer Pipe,” or Broadcast PLP, within the ATSC 3.0 standard. Weigel argues such a requirement would ensure that sufficient spectrum capacity remains dedicated to free over-the-air television services regardless of how broadcasters choose to use the technology’s expanded capabilities.
According to the company, a Broadcast PLP would allow broadcasters to pursue new business opportunities while preserving the traditional television service consumers expect.
Internet connectivity requirements associated with some ATSC 3.0 implementations were also a focus of the discussions.
Weigel told FCC officials that testing of low-cost converter devices in four television markets revealed that Emergency Alert System messages were not delivered when the devices were disconnected from the internet while receiving encrypted ATSC 3.0 channels.
The company contrasted that experience with ATSC 1.0, where emergency alerts are delivered over the broadcast signal without requiring an internet connection.
