News

The Advanced Television Broadcasting Alliance (ATBA) is excited to announce its participation in NRB 2025, the premier gathering of Christian media professionals, taking place February 24-27, 2025, at the Gaylord Texan in Dallas, TX.

ATBA will be hosting a special event at the convention, bringing together LPTV broadcasters, OTT platforms, and industry leaders to discuss the latest developments in low-power television and digital-first broadcasting. This event will provide a unique opportunity for broadcasters to explore how we can continue to innovate and grow in an ever-evolving media landscape.

This event is made possible by our generous sponsors, FreeCast and Rohde & Schwarz, who are helping us foster critical discussions on the future of television, streaming, and digital distribution. (There's still time to get your 2025 NAB/NRB Sponsorship in.)

ATBA Reception – Tuesday Evening

We’re also thrilled to announce that ATBA will be hosting a special reception on Tuesday evening during NRB 2025. This will be a great chance to network with industry professionals and discuss how LPTV and digital platforms can work together to expand reach and impact.

The exact time and location of the reception will be announced next week—stay tuned!

📅 NRB 2025 | February 24-27
📍 Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Dallas, TX

For more information about NRB 2025, visit NRBConvention.org.

Join us at NRB 2025 as we discuss the future of LPTV, streaming, and faith-based broadcasting. We look forward to seeing you there!

The Future of Television Initiative (FOTVI) has released a comprehensive report outlining the path forward for the transition to ATSC 3.0, with important recommendations for broadcasters, including those in the LPTV sector. This initiative, spearheaded by FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel and moderated by NAB, was designed to address key challenges and opportunities as the broadcasting industry moves to the NEXTGEN TV standard.

Robert Folliard, ATBA’s Board Chair, and Lee Miller, ATBA’s Executive Director, have both been central figures in the FOTVI process. Their participation underscores ATBA’s commitment to ensuring that LPTV stations remain an essential part of the broadcasting ecosystem during and after the transition to ATSC 3.0.

The FOTVI report brings together a range of perspectives from industry leaders, government officials, and public interest groups. This collaborative effort has resulted in a set of recommendations that will help guide the ATSC 3.0 transition while minimizing impacts on viewers, especially those relying on LPTV stations for free, over-the-air television.

Key Recommendations from the Report

1. Backwards Compatibility & Consumer Impact
   One of the central concerns raised during the working groups was the issue of backwards compatibility between ATSC 1.0 and ATSC 3.0. While the transition to NEXTGEN TV offers significant advancements, it also requires consumers to update their equipment to continue receiving broadcasts. The report emphasizes the need for affordable converter devices and consumer education to ensure a smooth transition without leaving viewers behind. Broadcasters, including LPTV stations, must continue to offer accessible content, especially for vulnerable populations that rely on traditional broadcasting.
2. Post-Transition Regulations
   A crucial aspect discussed in the report was the need for post-transition regulations that will support ATSC 3.0 services once the transition is complete. This includes ensuring that MVPDs (multichannel video programming distributors) properly manage the technical challenges of carrying ATSC 3.0 signals and making sure that the public interest obligations of broadcasters remain intact. The transition to ATSC 3.0 must not only improve the broadcasting experience but also enhance accessibility and maintain high levels of consumer trust in the system.
3. Consumer Education and the Role of LPTV
   The FOTVI report underscores the importance of consumer education in driving the adoption of ATSC 3.0. As LPTV stations transition to NEXTGEN TV, they must play an active role in informing their viewers about the benefits of the new standard, including enhanced audio-visual experiences, interactive features, and better mobile reception. The report stresses that LPTV stations should not only adopt the technology but also become leaders in consumer outreach to make sure viewers are ready for the transition.

“ATSC 3.0 is more than just a technological upgrade — it’s the future of broadcasting, one that will empower LPTV stations to connect with their communities in more meaningful and dynamic ways,” said Robert Folliard, ATBA Board Chair. “We are excited about the opportunities that NEXTGEN TV brings, but we also recognize the challenges it presents. ATBA is committed to ensuring that LPTV stations are not left behind, and that we continue to deliver the content our communities rely on, with enhanced quality, accessibility, and interactivity.”

The release of the FOTVI report marks a critical step in the broader transition to ATSC 3.0, setting the stage for LPTV stations to thrive in the evolving media landscape. As ATBA continues its advocacy efforts, we will focus on ensuring that LPTV stations are well-prepared for the transition, with the tools and support they need to serve their communities with the highest quality content.

For ATBA, the work is far from over. We are committed to advocating for regulatory flexibility, permanence, and continued support for LPTV stations as they embrace ATSC 3.0. We are excited to see how LPTV will continue to evolve, ensuring that broadcasters are well-equipped for the future

Read the report here -

01-17-2025 -Future of Television Initiative Report

FOTVI Report Letter

A Major Win for Low Power Television and HC2 Broadcasting

FuboTV Inc. (NYSE: FUBO), a leader in sports-first live TV streaming, has announced a significant expansion of its owned and operated Fubo Sports linear network. In a strategic move to maximize audience reach, Fubo Sports will now be available as an over-the-air (OTA) diginet in more than 100 U.S. markets, including major metropolitan areas such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. This marks a major milestone for both Fubo and the Low Power Television (LPTV) industry, with HC2 Broadcasting playing a pivotal role in the distribution strategy.

Bridging the Gap Between Streaming and Traditional TV

Pamela Duckworth, head of Fubo Studios, emphasized the importance of reaching consumers across multiple platforms:

“In today’s connected and competitive media market, it’s important to reach consumers everywhere they are, whether that be through streaming or traditional platforms. While cord-cutting is continuing to accelerate, there are still millions of American households who rely on OTA for sports, news and entertainment. Expanding distribution of our owned & operated linear Fubo Sports network to OTA stations maximizes accessibility for consumers while also creating a new revenue stream for Fubo.”

With this expansion, Fubo Sports will be accessible to more than 12 million traditional TV households, significantly increasing its viewership. The network will remain available as a Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) channel on Fubo and various other streaming platforms, ensuring a broad distribution across digital and traditional media.

A Content Powerhouse for Sports Fans

Fubo Sports delivers an exciting lineup of programming, featuring a mix of live sports, topical shows, and award-winning documentaries. Fans can enjoy coverage of niche and emerging sports leagues such as:

• Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC)
• ProBox TV
• The Professional Fighters League (PFL)
• World Poker Tour

As a premier destination for combat sports, Fubo Sports also broadcasts select live boxing and MMA events, enhancing its appeal to fans of high-adrenaline competition.

A Game-Changer for HC2 Broadcasting and the LPTV Industry

One of the most significant aspects of this expansion is HC2 Broadcasting’s role in the distribution network. HC2 Broadcasting, a major force in the LPTV industry, will be a key partner in delivering Fubo Sports to millions of OTA households. This partnership reinforces the value of LPTV stations as a vital platform for high-quality content distribution, providing diverse entertainment options for underserved audiences.

For HC2 Broadcasting and the broader LPTV sector, this deal is a major win. It demonstrates the continued relevance and profitability of LPTV in an evolving media landscape, proving that traditional broadcast remains a crucial distribution channel even in the age of streaming dominance.

The Future of Fubo and LPTV Collaboration

Since its launch in 2019, Fubo Sports has positioned itself as a leading FAST network, streaming over 600 live sporting events annually. This latest expansion aligns with Fubo’s global mission to aggregate premium sports, news, and entertainment content into a single, highly accessible platform. With its presence in the U.S., Canada, Spain, and France, Fubo continues to innovate with features such as 4K streaming, MultiView, and AI-powered Instant Headlines.

By partnering with LPTV stations, particularly through HC2 Broadcasting’s extensive network, Fubo is not only expanding its reach but also reinforcing the role of OTA television in the modern media ecosystem. This move underscores the increasing demand for free, high-quality sports content, making Fubo Sports a formidable player in both the streaming and broadcast industries.

Learn More

To explore Fubo’s offerings, visit https://fubo.tv. For more information on HC2 Broadcasting’s impact on LPTV distribution, visit https://hc2broadcasting.com.

Ron Bruno, a Pittsburgh-based broadcaster and licensee, is making strategic moves to expand his low-power television (LPTV) portfolio with a series of acquisitions in New York’s Capital Region and the Catskills.

Bruno’s Foxwood Partners LLC and Vision Communications—under the Gulf Boulevard Broadcasting umbrella—have entered agreements to acquire multiple LPTV stations, including WYBN-LD, WYNB-LD, and WZPK-LD. These purchases, pending FCC approval, reinforce Bruno’s commitment to the LPTV industry and strengthen the presence of independent broadcasters in key regional markets.

One of the sellers, longtime LPTV operator Dan Viles, has decided to step back from ownership after decades in the business. “I’m 78, and it’s time to smell the roses,” Viles shared. “LPTV has been a passion of mine, and I’m proud of what we built. I’m confident Ron and his team will continue to serve the viewers and communities we’ve reached over the years.”

Bruno expressed enthusiasm about the acquisitions, emphasizing his vision for the stations. “These stations play a vital role in providing diverse, localized content, and we’re excited to enhance their service to viewers in these regions,” he said. “LPTV remains a powerful force in broadcasting, and we see incredible opportunities for growth and innovation, and to continue you Dan’s legacy.”

The transactions include a $250,000 deal for WYNB-LD and WZPK-LD from Hudson TV LLC, led by “SuperFrank” Copsidas, and a separate $125,000 cash deal for WYBN-LD from Viles’ Cable Ad Net New York Inc. The acquisitions reflect the continued viability of LPTV stations as valuable assets in both urban and rural media landscapes.

“These markets are uniquely positioned for growth in the evolving digital landscape,” Bruno added. “We look forward to bringing fresh opportunities to these stations while preserving their local commitment.”

FCC filings for the transactions are underway, with legal representation for Bruno handled by Joan Stewart of Wiley Law, while Viles was represented by Paul Feldman of Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth.

ATBA will continue to monitor these developments and provide updates as Bruno’s new stations take shape.

WASHINGTON—The Federal Communications Commission has released a new study of U.S. broadcast TV and radio station ownership that shows women held a majority interest in 10% of commercial broadcast stations, while men held a majority interest in 59% of commercial broadcast stations.

The FCC was not able to determine majority ownership in all stations. As a result, totals for men and women or totals for all races do not add to 100%.

READ MORE at TVTECH