Broadcaster Weigel Challenges Proposals for Shutdown of Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC)
Weigel Broadcasting Co., a prominent broadcaster, has expressed concerns about the National Association of Broadcasters' (NAB) proposal for transitioning from the current ATSC 1.0 standard to the next-generation ATSC 3.0.
In a series of meetings with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Weigel's representatives emphasised three main reservations about the NAB's plan. These reservations revolve around consumer protections and broadcast quality safeguards.
Protecting Consumers from Digital Rights Management (DRM) Limitations
Weigel urges the FCC to establish guardrails to protect consumers from potential issues arising from the transition, such as restrictions from digital rights management (DRM) technologies that may limit viewing options or complicate access to local TV broadcasts.
Maintaining Broadcast Signal Quality and Reliability
The company also advocates for ensuring the quality and reliability of broadcast signals during and after the transition to ATSC 3.0. This includes protections against disruptions or degradation caused by the new technology or encryption methods.
Specifying Guardrails for the Transition
Weigel proposes specific guardrails for the ATSC 3.0 transition. These include specifying the minimum portion of the broadcast signal for broadcasting, ensuring the broadcast portion can be received as it is today in ATSC 1.0, and specifying reasonable limitations on DRM within the broadcast portion of the ATSC 3.0 signal.
These concerns align with broader industry and consumer worries shared in public comments during the FCC's proceeding on the ATSC 3.0 transition. Broadcasters like Weigel are urging regulatory measures that safeguard consumer interests and maintain broadcast service quality.
Opposition to the "Flash Cut" Proposal
Weigel also opposes the NAB's "flash cut" proposal, which suggests a sudden transition from the ATSC 1.0 format to the ATSC 3.0 format. The company believes that such a move could leave viewers behind and potentially harm consumers, particularly those in rural areas.
Moreover, Weigel has learned that broadcasting using the ATSC 3.0 standard creates costs to viewers. Some broadcasters may degrade or not improve broadcasting in favour of non-broadcast services.
The NAB's roadmap calls for the FCC to approve a Feb. 2028 sunset for the top 55 markets and the remaining stations to make the transition by Feb. 2030. However, Weigel recommends that the FCC condition any transition to ATSC 3.0 with benchmarks for market penetration comparable to those used in the 2009 DTV transition.
For more detailed arguments opposing the NAB's plans for the ATSC 3.0 transition, you can find additional filings on the issue at the provided link.
- Weigel Broadcasting Co., a significant broadcaster, has voiced concerns about the National Association of Broadcasters' (NAB) plan for transitioning from ATSC 1.0 to ATSC 3.0, focusing on consumer protections and broadcast quality.
- In discussions with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Weigel emphasized the need for guardrails to safeguard consumers from digital rights management (DRM) limitations and potential issues during the transition.
- The company advocates for maintaining broadcast signal quality and reliability, particularly against disruptions or degradation caused by ATSC 3.0 or encryption methods.
- Weigel has proposed specific guardrails for the ATSC 3.0 transition, including specifying the minimum portion of the signal for broadcasting, ensuring compatibility with ATSC 1.0, and setting reasonable DRM limitations within the broadcast portion of ATSC 3.0.
- The broadcaster opposes the NAB's "flash cut" proposal for a sudden transition, as it could leave viewers behind and harm consumers, especially those in rural areas.
- Weigel believes that broadcasting with ATSC 3.0 could create costs for viewers, and some broadcasters may prioritize non-broadcast services over improving broadcasting quality. The company recommends that the FCC condition any transition to ATSC 3.0 with market penetration benchmarks similar to those used in the 2009 DTV transition.
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