WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 19, 2021 – America’s Public Television Stations (APTS) today commended the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for its Order improving the Digital Transmission System (DTS) rules to enhance the use of Next Gen TV Single Frequency Networks (SFN).
This action was taken in response to a petition for Rulemaking filed jointly by APTS and NAB with the FCC on October 3, 2019.
“America’s Public Television Stations applaud the action taken today by the FCC, a welcome endorsement of changes in the current rules that will allow broadcast television stations to unlock the benefits of Next Gen TV through DTS operations that better serve their viewers and preserving their commitment to localism,” said Lonna Thompson, executive vice president, chief operating officer and general counsel of APTS.
“The rule enhancements will permit stations to reliably reach viewers that could not otherwise be served by a single transmitter architecture, which is so important in rural and remote areas, in terrains with gaps in coverage, and in urban settings, often in communities with traditionally underserved populations. Reception quality on mobile devices and reliability in indoor reception will be greatly improved.
“We are grateful to the Commission for helping to ensure that local public television stations can offer enhanced Next Gen TV services to all Americans.”
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About APTS
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 the American people. For more information, visit www.apts.org.
Contact:
Stacey Karp
202-654-4222
skarp@apts.org