>WASHINGTON, DC -- The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has released new tools for stations to help educate viewers on the changes coming to local TV. NAB’s TV Answers Campaign is committed to helping stations and their over- the-air-viewers navigate the frequency changes impacting nearly 1,000 TV stations – and 77 million viewers – nationwide.
Tools include:
• TVAnswers.org– a website where viewers can learn which stations are moving and when and how to rescan their TVs and converter boxes;
• An instructional video to help viewers rescan;
• Customizable television spots and radio toolkits;
• Digital tools for station websites and social media platforms;
• Messaging documents to educate legislators, community groups and more.
“Our top priority is to ensure viewers have continued access to the vital local news, weather, emergency information and their favorite programming that local broadcasters provide,” said NAB President and CEO Gordon H. Smith. “Local stations provide a lifeline that no one should be without.”
As stations move frequencies, viewers who rely on an over-the-air antenna to watch local stations for free must rescan their televisions to find the new signal. Because stations are assigned to different phases over a two-year period, some viewers will need to rescan multiple times to ensure they are receiving all their local stations.
“Stations that must relocate due to the spectrum incentive auction have a great task before them,” said Smith. “NAB is working to provide them with turnkey tools to educate their over-the-air viewers on what is happening and what they must do to keep watching their favorite local stations. We’re creating as many actionable resources as possible to help stations, community partners and lawmakers speak with one voice and help viewers navigate station frequency moves over the next two years.”
In addition to tools for TV stations, the TV Answers Campaign includes resources for legislators and community groups to educate their affected constituencies. NAB is working collaboratively with Congress, the Federal Communications Commission and a host of community groups to ensure viewers are prepared for the changes coming to local TV.
About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association
for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests
in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education
and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities,
strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital
age. Learn more at www.nab.org.
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