Local Stations Multiply

LOCAL STATIONS MULTIPLY
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: Allison Romano]
Across the country, local broadcasters are experimenting with a new way to reach viewers. About a quarter of the country's full-power local TV stations have launched a second or third channel on their digital spectrum, according to industry estimates. More are expected to sign on as broadcasters complete their upgrade to digital by the government-mandated Feb. 17, 2009, deadline to cut off analog transmission. To date, the National Association of Broadcasters estimates that about 1,600 of the country's 1,760 full-power stations have made the digital transition. One feature of digital broadcasting is it allows stations to transmit multiple programming feeds on their bandwidth. While the bulk of a station's digital spectrum is allocated to carry a standard and a high-definition feed of its primary network, such as NBC or ABC, most broadcasters have room left over to launch two or three additional channels. Stations could also use the leftover spectrum for broadcasting mobile video or sublease it to another programmer. As the February deadline approaches, more stations are looking to launch secondary channels. At the recent National Association of Program Television Executives conference, station executives were on the hunt for programming options. They found that the choices are quickly multiplying, though only a few services are on the air.
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