FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tacoma, WA — KBTC Public Television proudly announces the launch of KBTC-VC, a new virtual ATSC 3.0 channel, broadcasting on virtual channel 28-11. This innovative launch brings KBTC’s high-quality programming into the NEXTGEN television space, offering viewers a state-of-the-art experience, including enhanced picture quality with Advanced HDR by Technicolor.
The programming on KBTC-VC mirrors that of KBTC’s main channel 28-1, while providing enhanced accessibility for those with NEXTGEN-enabled televisions.
Virtual ATSC 3.0 channels provide electronic programming guide information over-the-air to NEXTGEN Smart TVs using the host broadcaster’s data channel capacity. NEXTGEN viewers can select KBTC-VC in their programming guide and access the channel seamlessly over their internet connected TV.
ATSC 3.0, also known as NEXTGEN TV, combines over-the-air broadcasting with internet technology to deliver:
- Higher-quality video with Advanced HDR by Technicolor
- Immersive audio for a cinematic experience
- Improved accessibility through closed captions and interactive program guides
- Future-ready technology enabling personalized viewing experiences
Viewers may need to rescan their TVs to access the new channel and begin watching KBTC-VC. To do this, viewers should look for a “Channel Scan” or “Auto-Tune” function in their settings menu.
KBTC Public Television now joins a growing number of stations nationwide adopting the NEXTGEN Broadcast Service to enhance local and national programming. By launching KBTC-VC, the station remains at the forefront of public broadcasting’s digital transformation, demonstrating a commitment to leveraging technology for the benefit of viewers.
DeAnne Hamilton, Executive Director and General Manager of KBTC Public Television said, “We are excited to make NEXTGEN TV available in our region. This launch deepens KBTC’s commitment to innovation and accessibility by reducing barriers to high-quality broadcast media and by supporting digital services that our viewers in western Washington rely on every day.”
Kate Riley, President and CEO of America’s Public Television Stations (APTS), said, “We congratulate KBTC Public Television on its new virtual ATSC 3.0 channel. With this new virtual channel, the NEXTGEN Broadcast Service will be delivered to more public television viewers and enhance the local public television services that the Tacoma and western Washington community depend on every day.”
###
About KBTC Public Television
KBTC is western Washington’s public broadcasting station. Operating out of Tacoma, Wash., KBTC is the only television broadcaster in Pierce County. KBTC is committed to telling local stories that aren’t being told anywhere else and connecting viewers with the people and ideas that shape western Washington. KBTC is available to 1.8 million TV households and 4.3 million viewers in western Washington, British Columbia and Oregon. KBTC, a PBS affiliate, is operated as a viewer-supported service of Bates Technical College.
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 community connections to their local areas and the American people. For more information, visit www.apts.org.
Contacts:
Chelsea Lindquist, Director of Communications, Marketing and Advancement, Bates Technical College, 253.680.7106, clindquist@batestech.edu
Adrienne Loska, Associate Director of Marketing and Digital Assets, KBTC, 253.680.7703, aloska@kbtc.org
Stacey Karp, Senior Director of Communications, APTS, 202.654.4222, skarp@apts.org