Major Broadcasters Launch NEXTGEN TV on Five Local Television Stations in Fresno-Visalia

June 09, 2022 at 14:33 PM EDT

KGPE, KMPH-TV, KSEE, KNSO and KFRE-TV Begin Broadcasting with New Technology

The leading television stations serving the Fresno-Visalia market today began broadcasting with NEXTGEN TV, a revolutionary new digital broadcast technology. Today’s launch includes KGPE (CBS), KMPH-TV (FOX), KSEE (NBC), KNSO (Telemundo) and KFRE-TV (CW).

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

NEXTGEN TV adds a new dimension to TV viewing, with vibrant video and new Voice+ dialogue enhancement that brings voices to the foreground. Movie theater-quality sound lets viewers hear every voice clearly and keeps volume consistent across channels. NEXTGEN TV also can be enhanced with Internet content to enable viewers to get the most out of live sports, live news, and live events in real-time, without looking away from TV screens.

Powered by ATSC 3.0, NEXTGEN TV is the most significant broadcast technology upgrade to date. Features available on NEXTGEN TV will vary by device and station as broadcasters roll out service across the country. Shoppers should look for the NEXTGEN TV logo to be sure a TV or device is compatible with ATSC 3.0 signals.

Today’s launch in Fresno-Visalia follows a decade of development and months of planning and preparation by the local stations. KFRE-TV, which is owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group, has converted to ATSC 3.0 transmissions. KFRE-TV will broadcast its own programming, as well as the programming of the other participating stations, in NEXTGEN TV format. All programming of all participating stations will continue to be available in the existing DTV format, which can be received on all modern television sets. BitPath, which is developing new data broadcasting services, led the planning process and coordinated efforts across the five television stations.

From Seattle, Washington, to Washington, D.C., and now from the Carolina coast to California’s Central Valley, NEXTGEN TV service is already on the air in more than 45 cities across the country. Fresno-Visalia viewers can learn more about NEXTGEN TV by visiting www.WatchNextGenTV.com, which offers a guide listing cities currently carrying the service, as well as links to available NEXTGEN TV set models.

Antenna viewers without NEXTGEN TV sets can simply rescan their TV sets to ensure uninterrupted service. Rescan instructions are available at fcc.gov/rescan. Cable and satellite subscribers do not need to take any action.

About KMPH-TV and KFRE-TV – Sinclair

KMPH-TV and KFRE-TV are leading stations in the Fresno-Visalia television market. The stations are owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SBGI), a diversified media company and a leading provider of local sports and news. KMPH-TV is affiliated with the FOX television network and KFRE-TV is affiliated with the CW. Sinclair owns and/or operates 21 regional sports network brands; owns, operates and/or provides services to 185 television stations in 86 markets; owns multiple national networks including Tennis Channel and Stadium; and has TV stations affiliated with all the major broadcast networks. Sinclair’s content is delivered via multiple platforms, including over-the-air, multi-channel video program distributors, and digital and streaming platforms NewsOn and STIRR. For more information, please visit kmph.com and sbgi.net.

About KGPE and KSEE - Nexstar

KGPE and KSEE are leading stations in the Fresno-Visalia television market. Both stations are owned and operated by Nexstar Media Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: NXST). Nexstar is the nation's largest operator of local television stations and a leading diversified media company that leverages localism to bring new services and value to consumers and advertisers through its broadcasting, digital and mobile media platforms. KGPE is affiliated with CBS and KSEE is affiliated with NBC.

About KNSO - Telemundo

KNSO is Telemundo’s local television station serving Spanish-speaking audiences throughout Fresno, across multiple platforms. Part of NBCUniversal Local and owned by NBCUniversal, Telemundo 51 delivers local breaking news, weather, entertainment and sports programming, including the world-class programming produced by Telemundo Network.

About BitPath

BitPath is building the nation's first dedicated broadcast data network to provide innovative new services like BitPoint™ and NavPath™ at a fraction of the cost of other systems. Based in Arlington, Virginia, the BitPath network will launch this year covering dozens of cities. For more information, visit bitpath.com.