Weigel Broadcasting warns FCC that ATSC 3.0 threatens free television access
Weigel Broadcasting met with FCC officials to express strong opposition to a mandatory transition to ATSC 3.0, arguing it would compromise free and simple TV service and harm consumers. The company advocates for maintaining ATSC 1.0 rules and implementing a "Broadcast PLP" to ensure free over-the-air television delivery. Weigel also raised concerns about Internet connectivity requirements for ATSC 3.0 DRM-encrypted channels potentially affecting EAS message delivery.
Key Takeaways
- Opposes the NAB-proposed 'mandated flash cut' to ATSC 3.0 to protect existing ATSC 1.0 viewers.
- Proposes a 'Broadcast PLP' mandate to ensure spectrum remains dedicated to free, unencrypted over-the-air signals.
- Testing of low-cost converters revealed EAS message delivery failure when devices were offline.
- Warns that broadcasters might prioritize non-broadcast services like gambling and private data over traditional television.
Why It Matters
The dissent from a major station owner like Weigel highlights a growing rift in the broadcast industry over the economic and technical viability of NEXTGEN TV. If the FCC adopts Weigel's 'Broadcast PLP' proposal, it could limit the spectrum available for the ancillary data-monetization schemes that underpin the ATSC 3.0 business case. This technical friction, particularly regarding DRM and internet requirements for emergency alerts, creates a regulatory hurdle for the NAB's desired transition timeline. Watch for whether the FCC incorporates specific EAS reliability metrics into its next ATSC 3.0 progress report.
Additional Context
The transition to ATSC 3.0 has faced increasing scrutiny over hardware compatibility and encryption. Per Cord Cutters News in May 2024, the industry has seen significant pushback regarding the inclusion of Digital Rights Management (DRM) in the new standard, which has prevented many legacy DVRs and network tuners from decoding signals. This has led to a fragmented hardware market where consumers must purchase specific, certified gateways to view encrypted content. LG Electronics, a major patent holder and manufacturer, notably announced in late 2023 it would stop including ATSC 3.0 tuners in its 2024 television lineup due to ongoing patent litigation, further complicating the hardware ecosystem.
Regulators have remained cautious about setting a hard expiration date for the current ATSC 1.0 standard. Per TechCrunch in June 2024, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has emphasized that the commission's primary goal is ensuring no viewer is left behind, particularly as the sunset of 1.0 would require millions of households to upgrade equipment. Meanwhile, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) continues to lobby for a clear transition roadmap, arguing that the lack of a 'flash cut' date prevents the full deployment of interactive features and targeted advertising. The NAB recently launched the 'Future of TV' initiative in late 2023 to coordinate these efforts, yet Weigel’s latest filing suggests that even among broadcasters, consensus on the path forward remains elusive.
Read full article at rbr.com
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