Six Stations Launch NextGen TV In New Orleans

Six stations serving the New Orleans market today began broadcasting with NextGen TV, also known as ATSC 3.0.

Switching on the new transmission standard were Tegna’s WUPL (MNT) and WWL (CBS);  Gray Television’s WVUE (Fox); Hearst Television’s WDSU (NBC); Nexstar Media’s WGNO (ABC) and WNOL (CW).

Today’s launch in New Orleans follows a decade of development and months of planning and preparation by the local stations. WUPL has converted to ATSC 3.0 transmissions and will broadcast its own programming, as well as the programming of the other participating stations, in NextGen TV format.

“Local broadcast stations play an important news and information role in the communities we serve,” said Anne Schelle, managing director of Pearl TV. “With changes in the broadcast television market over time, the value in bringing more innovation to newsrooms and viewers with smart solutions like NextGen TV is crystal clear. Launching NextGen TV enables broadcasters to deliver the latest news and emergency alerting information, which is critical in a geography such as New Orleans, where extreme weather events are common and local news updates and information is vital.”

Associated with NextGen TV is the RUN3TV web platform that brings interactive experiences and streaming content to over-the-air viewers. Built by broadcasters for broadcasters, RUN3TV’s web-based platform architecture enables stations to easily develop, innovate, and differentiate at the application services layer, allowing a consistent viewer experience across all NextGen TV devices. The broadcaster can leverage advanced advertising in live and streaming content, audience insights, and premium content distribution thanks to the new platform.

“New Orleans will now get the most out of live news, events and sports programming, while giving its broadcasters a more compelling and interactive way to deliver their content,” Schelle added. “These stations all share a commitment to provide their viewers with the best content and service and the launch of NextGen TV enables that by creating a more inspired and personalized viewing experience.”