Thundershock MN

Because they either... A. Don't care enough to update the old promos to reflect the new calls. B. Or, still have some "old" promos in the system that slipped through and made it to air. You could file a complaint with the FCC. But, as long as the TOH id is correct they won't do much. Sinclair might get a strongly worded letter to scrub references to WMMP to avoid viewer confusion though. I'm guessing whomever you spoke with on the phone took the path of least resistance. You have to remember they have to explain the changes to Joe Q. Viewer, too. So, when Joe Q. Viewer calls in it's just easier to say "WMMP and WCIV are on the same channel" than explain the intricacies of the switch. But, they are technically incorrect making that statement.

ATSC does support single frequency networks (ATSC a/111), WTVE in Reading currently operates a SFN (or Distributed Transmission System.) It also supports mobile (ATSC a/153.) Although, like the MPEG-4 support they are all "addendums" that came later on. The DVB-T2 test was kind of a test for ASTC 3.0. Although, everything has yet to be finalized part of Sinclair's test was to try out other standards, like DVB-T2 that could be adapted to fit the new ASTC 3.0 standard under development. Personally, I think ASTC 3.0 faces an uphill battle. I want to see it happen and achieve full adoption. But, like the MPEG-4 extension I think it faces a "chicken or the egg" conundrum. Do broadcasters go "all in" and invest in new equipment and hope consumers upgrade with new tuners? Or, do they wait for enough new tuners to enter the marketplace before making the switch? The only way I see ASTC 3.0 being a success is if it's implemention is timed to take place as part of the repack and/or they find a way to make it backwords compatible. Otherwise, I fear it will end up like "HD Radio", etc.

I'm still having trouble with the "quote" function. First, Trip's site (rabbitears.info) is fantastic and has a plethora of information. But, WRT bitrates, etc. I'd like to point out that encoders have greatly improved (and continue to improve) since the introduction of ATSC. Newer "state of the art" encoders are more efficient allowing for lower bit rates (and, variable bit rates) to be used without degradation. This frees up space to run dual HD and/or more subchannels. JVC did a nice blog write up on this back in 2011. It's slightly dated but, the basics remain the same and if anything things have improved further. I personally think too much is made of focusing solely on bitrates. It only tells you part of the story. If a station has the proper equipment they can do things like run dual HD or more subchannels now with little to no impact on the "primary stream." I can speak to this first hand. To the best of my knowledge when KMSP/WFTC made their changes last summer they upgraded their equipment prior to the changes so, there were no noticeable changes in PQ. However, on the other end of the spectrum you have KSTP/KSTC that pushes the bitrate limits on (to the best of my knowledge) "older" equipment that clearly isn't designed to that resulting in degraded PQ. With all that said I expect those "average bitrates" on Trip's site to continue to fall as stations upgrade their equipment and make more efficient use of their bandwidth.

If they are waiting for ATSC 3.0 they might never launch. I thought KYTX and KCEB were pretty much "divorced" now. If they aren't they have to be really close as London is/was hiring for a "very small" KCEB office in Tyler. And, Gannett acquired the MeTV programming with the KYTX purchase leading to a swap of Cozi and MeTV between KYTX and KCEB last month. To the questions at hand. My guess is they either shoehorn a fourth diginet onto KYTX or it doesn't launch in Tyler. The article did make mention that "Gannett Broadcasting will make Justice Network’s television content available in virtually all of the markets in its U.S. footprint." So, I'm interpreting that to mean there will be a few Gannett markets without Justice Network at launch. And, if you were to single out a few of those markets several of the old London stations would stand out as they are already a bit crowded with subchannels. Most networks, stations and station groups are starting to realize diginets are a way to make some extra cash. It could be "monetizing" an old programming library like NBCU, Fox and CBS have done with Cozi, Movies! and Decades respectively. They could "lease" the subchannel out to a network like GetTV. Or, they could rely solely on advertising revenue (and potentially retrans revenue if the network is popular enough.) In any case they are pretty cheap to run for the network and provide the opportunity for a little revenue for the stations.

First, I'm not the least bit surprised. Second, this might warrant it's own thread...maybe Weeters can break it out. Have Cunningham acquire KSNV and keep all three. See: Reno or Charleston.

I've have never once gotten the impression that the Admins are trying to dictate what we can and can't say. the only thing I've seen them do is try to get people to have discussions in the proper corners of the playground. There is no need to have two or three or more discussions on the same topic taking place in two or three or more places. You will have much better discussion if everyone that is participating is in one place instead of scattered all over the place. So, they are trying to prod everyone back into the proper places. The fact that they haven't gone hog wild locking, splitting or moving threads shows that they have restraint and are trying to guide members. I couldn't agree more with this! It was worth a shot to try these [insert station group] general discussion threads. But, it's made things worse. Heck, we currently have two Gannett "General Discussion" threads. And, most of the posts within them are continuations of discussions already taking place elsewhere or would warrant there own threads. In some cases threads have been created after originally being brought up in the "general discussion" threads like KSWB's recent newscast expansion. It's hard to fault a member for creating a thread in order to discuss a topic when they don't currently see discussion (ie: thread) taking place. They'd like to join the discussion but, as far as they can see there isn't one taking place. And, if it's becoming hard for current members to find a discussion how do we expect any potential new members to find that one discussion that takes them from "lurker" to "member". Isn't that kind of what the "Out and About" thread evolved into, a dumping ground for random nuggets.

^The expansion on KMSP started a week later than originally planned. But, I think it's worth noting that of the additional hour and a half on Sundays it's not a straight expansion of the newscasts. The Sunday 10pm newscast will expand to a full half-hour...well, actually 35 minutes. The additional nighttime half-hour will be dedicated to a new Sunday Night sports show titled "Fox 9 Sports Now" running from 10:35pm-11:05pm. This replaces the 15 minute (actually, 20 minute) "Fox 9 Sports Primetime" that aired from 10:15pm-10:35pm on Sundays. The 15 minute versions of the former "Fox 9 Sports Primetime" will continue on Fridays (10:15pm-10:35pm) and Saturdays (9:45pm-10pm) however, they have been retitled with the new "Fox 9 Sports Now" name. The extra Sunday morning hour (10am-11am) isn't a straight expansion of the morning newscast. The Sunday edition of the "Fox 9 Morning News" will only be expanded a half hour from 10am-10:30am. The additional half hour from 10:30am-11am is being filled by a new show titled "The Reporters" hosted by Tom Lyden. "The Reporters" will feature more long-form stories, one-on-one interviews and interviews with reporters covering the "big stories" of the week. It's a pretty interesting program and definitely something different. Since it has now aired I feel safe posting a link. But, .

Well, I think that's the first time a station has chosen to use their "Neilsen Calls" to brand a subchannel. I'm a little concerned about WeatherNation TV's future. I'm not sure that building a second studio facility in the Denver area is good idea right now. I know they want to be taken seriously and are trying to "upgrade" their appearance. But, AccuWeather is launching soon and will fill easily fill that "TWC" alternative role almost immediately. AccuWether has the brand and resources already in place. I'm not sure if this massive investment by WeatherNation is going to pay off.

First, I'll just say Estate Taxes can be enough to "force" sales, too. And, IWCC has been slowly being broken apart leaving just KSNV. I'll refrain from commenting on what I think will happen right now. But, If you want to read my past thoughts on what is/was going on at IWCC/KSNV you can read one of my prior posts on the topic here.

Surprised you guys all missed this...The Tribune Newscast Expansion Department gave us a "two-fer" with WXMI. Buried a little ways down in the story was this tidbit: "But more changes are on the way. WXMI-TV also unveiled plans to add a 4 p.m. news show in the fall on a date to be announced later. Once the 4 p.m. show debuts, the Tribune Media-owned station will air eight hours of news Monday through Fridays."

A few thoughts. 1. Did they actually know that the accident involved one of their reporters when they first reported it? I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt that it wasn't immediately known. But, why they waited a week to update their story is a bit puzzling. 2. It's pretty standard practice not to comment on personal matters. That applies in pretty much any industry. And, just because you are in the public eye doesn't give your employer free license to air out your personal file. 3. Not sure on the local laws. But, I'd be willing to bet the reason she hasn't been terminated is oddly enough because alcohol was involved. If she entered a chemical dependency program it would make it more difficult to terminate her. Her position would be protected under FMLA (or local versions of.) For example, I could show up completely drunk off my ass to my place of employment and not immediately be terminated. I would promptly be sent for drug and alcohol testing. When the results come back my employer would be required to inform me of my right to enter a chemical dependency program (at my cost.) My position would be held under FMLA while seeking treatment. And, upon completion I would be returned to my previous position. So, when drugs/alcohol enter the picture it's not as cut and dry as one might think there are lots of other legalities. Therefore, the comparison to using profanity on air really isn't a fair one. PS - I'm by no means endorsing drunken driving. In fact I generally believe our laws and attitudes towards it in this country are far too lax. I was attempting to point out that slamming WCPO for not commenting further or immediately terminating her isn't really fair as their hands are most likely tied.

So let me get this straight. This GM doesn't want add another sub channel for fear of degrading the main channels PQ? And, this GM doesn't want to put any programming of real value on the .2 for fear they may need to discontinue the .2 down road for a bunch of additional mobile TV channels? You can do both subs (even multiple subs) & mobile. There are plenty of examples of this across the country. It's even more ridiculous when you take into account they have figured out how to use variable bitrates. Not trying to argue with you, I'm just trying to understand this GM's logic. It doesn't make any sense to me. Man looking through the data over on Trip's site I can see why you have a frustration with lack of subs and underutilized bandwidth in your market. What's up with that Belo duopoly? Only One subchannel and one mobile channel between those two RF channels?

With regards to subchannels starting to pop up on holdouts (ie:Fox, CBS). I think its two fold. First, the technology has improved. Newer encoders allow for better compression. Allowing the main channel to less bandwidth with no visible degradation. There by freeing up space for new subchannels. Second, I think with the incentive auction starting to take hold a few years ago there became a "use it or lose it" thought process by some in the industry. Plus there are some broadcasters are now making (a little) money on their subchannels. So, you couple all these things together and some of the holdout are bound to eventually change their strategy. You are in the Phoenix market, Right? I understand what the GM you spoke to is saying. But, I think they are feeding you a bit of a line. Using data from Trip Ericson's Rabbit Ears site KPNX's main channel takes up 13.85mbps, the weather subchannel is 2.9mbps and the Mobile (or, Dyle) channel takes up 1.83mbps. So, it's not like the mobile channel is picking up much bandwidth. Maybe the GM could pick up the phone and call one of his sister stations to figure out how they are able to do it. Again using the same site for data. Their sister station WBIR, in Knoxville runs MEtv on their subchannel forgoing the "weather subchannel" while maintaining a mobile (Dyle) channel. The bandwidth is divided up almost the same way as KPNX between main, sub & mobile channels. But, what if I still want to maintain the "weather subchannel" you ask? Well call your sister station, WUSA in Washington DC. They maintain 2 subchannels plus there mobile (Dyle) channel. The main channel is 11.6mbps, the Bounce subchannel is 2.5mbps, the "weather subchannel" is 1.4mbps and the mobile (Dyle) channel is again 1.83mbps. Heck, I have the KSTP/KSTC duopoly here in my market that is running two main HD feeds, 4 SD subchannels and 4 mobile channels between their 2 RF channels. So, there are ways to do it. Dyle has it's issues but, preventing subchannels really isn't one of them. EDIT: I see you were talking about KPHO not KPNX. Either way my point still stands. The "Dyle/Mobile TV" excuse has little leg to stand on in my eyes.

KSMP has hired Kelcey Carlson from WRAL to fill the anchor spot left vacant when Heidi Collins left the station this past August. Didn't see this posted but...The revolving door continues at KSTP(/KSTC) as both am anchor Brad Sattin and am meteorologist Patrick Hammer have both been told their contracts won't be renewed when they expire in 6 months. And, just for completeness. Barring anything unforseen KMSP Chief Meteorologist Ian Leonard will return to the air Monday. He has been out since early October suffering from the effects of post-concussion syndrome.

I believe all the production still originates out of WCCB/Charlotte. WCCB's Technical Operations Manager Bob Davis is a pretty frequent poster over at AVS Forum. When a poster suggested adding a 6pm newscast on WCCB around the time of the affiliation switch he quickly replied with "We do a 6pm newscast already..Except it airs in Columbia... ". There is a reason they are only adding a 6pm newscast on the weekends and not weekdays. Not 100% sure but, to the best of my knowledge WOLO's morning newscast is still controlled out of WCCB/Charlotte, too. I believe they set up a small separate "control room" at WCCB's facility to handle the WOLO morning newscast. One of WCCB's directors posted of Good Morning Columbia's launch showing the set up.

I wouldn't bet on it. Pretty sure WCCB's control room is occupied at 6pm weekdays producing a newscast. It just doesn't air in Charlotte.

However, XEPM, XHJCI, XHJUB are all on the voices chart grouped together under Grupo Televisa as the tenth voice in the market.

CircleSeven, I'm pretty sure Fox could aquire WMYD outright. I posted this in another thread several weeks ago : "WMYD -> Fox. However, I'm not sure a failing station waiver would really be needed. Isn't WHTV still planning to move to the old WPXD tower. I assume WPXD counted as one of the "at least eight independently owned TV stations remaining in the market" after the WWJ/WKBD combination. So, if that's the case then wouldn't WHTV's move to WPXD's old tower provide a "ninth independently owned station" allowing for another duopoly opportunity? No failing station waiver or LMA needed. " For a recent example see the STL market and how WPXS' move-in during the DTV transition gave that market an additional voice that I and others forgot about. Tribune is now making use of that to aquire KTVI outright. Stations aren't linked together forever. Just because a station is hubbed doesn't mean it can't be de-hubbed as part of a sale. There have been plenty of examples of this over the last several years now. Sure it involves some extra work versus just leaving everything as-is but, it's really not that big a deal in the grand scheme of things.