Nashville PBS and Sinclair Launch WNPT-VC, ATSC 3.0 Virtual Channel

Nashville PBS and Sinclair Launch WNPT-VC, ATSC 3.0 Virtual Channel

Michelle Jones, mjones@wnpt.org
Jessica Belluci, jbelluci-c@sbgtv.com
Stacey Karp, skarp@apts.org

Nashville PBS and Sinclair Broadcast Group, LLC, a subsidiary of Sinclair, Inc. (NASDAQ: SBGI), proudly announce the launch of WNPT-VC, a new virtual ATSC 3.0 channel, broadcasting on virtual channel 8-11. This innovative launch brings Nashville PBS’ high-quality programming into the NEXTGEN television space, offering viewers a state-of-the-art experience.

The programming on WNPT-VC mirrors that of Nashville PBS’ main channel, 8-1, while providing enhanced accessibility for those with NEXTGEN-enabled televisions.

Virtual ATSC 3.0 channels are transmissions that provide programming directly over-the-air to smart TVs using the NEXTGEN broadcast data channel capacity of a host broadcaster. Viewers with NEXTGEN TVs can view and select WNPT-VC in their programming guide and access the channel seamlessly over the internet.

ATSC 3.0, also known as NEXTGEN TV, combines over-the-air broadcasting with internet technology to deliver:

Higher-quality video with HDR capabilities
Immersive audio for a cinematic experience
Improved accessibility through closed captions and interactive program guides
Future-ready technology enabling personalized viewing experiences

Viewers may need to rescan their TVs to access the new channel and begin watching WNPT-VC. To do this, viewers should look for a “Channel Scan” or “Auto-Tune” function in their settings menu.

Nashville PBS joins a growing number of stations nationwide adopting the NEXTGEN Broadcast Service to enhance local and national programming. By launching WNPT-VC, the station remains at the forefront of public broadcasting’s digital transformation, demonstrating a commitment to leveraging technology for the benefit of viewers.

Sinclair and America’s Public Television Stations (APTS) previously announced that Sinclair would provide carriage of APTS member stations for free in markets where Sinclair has deployed NEXTGEN Broadcast Service (ATSC 3.0) and a public television station has not. This launch is the first in Nashville and the second in the nation under this unique, forward-looking arrangement.

“This launch underscores Nashville PBS’ commitment to innovation and accessibility,” said Becky Magura, president and CEO of Nashville PBS. “As we bring our trusted educational, cultural, and civic programming into the ATSC 3.0 ecosystem, we are excited to enhance the viewer experience and expand the reach of public television in Middle Tennessee.”

Kate Riley, President and CEO of APTS, said, “We are delighted that Nashville PBS and Sinclair are working together in this innovative way to bring the remarkable NEXTGEN Broadcast Service to more public television viewers, enhancing the local public television station services that the Nashville community relies on.”

Rob Weisbord, Sinclair’s Chief Operating Officer and President of Broadcast, said, “This is yet another example of public and commercial broadcasters working together to advance NEXTGEN service. We are thrilled to continue to work with our public broadcasting partners to demonstrate the capabilities of this technology for viewers.”

About Nashville PBS:

Nashville’s PBS station, formerly Nashville Public television, is available free and over-the-air to nearly 2.4 million people throughout the Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky viewing area. Nashville PBS’ four broadcast channels are WNPT, the main channel; secondary channel WNPT2 (WORLD Channel); WNPT3, a 24/7 PBS Kids channel; and WNPT4 (Create TV). Nashville PBS is also available to anyone in the world through its array of digital services, including wnpt.org, YouTube channels and the PBS app. Nashville PBS provides, through the power of traditional television and interactive digital communications, quality educational, cultural and civic experiences that address issues and concerns of the people of the Nashville region, and which thereby help improve the lives of those we serve. Join the conversation at facebook.com/nashvillepbs, on X @nashvillepbs and on Instagram @nashvillepubtv.

About Sinclair Broadcast Group:

Sinclair Broadcast Group is a subsidiary of Sinclair Inc., (Nasdaq: SBGI) a diversified media company and a leading provider of local news and sports. The Company owns, operates and/or provides services to 185 television stations in 86 markets affiliated with all the major broadcast networks; owns Tennis Channel and multicast networks Comet, CHARGE!, TBD., and The Nest; and owns and provides services to 21 regional sports network brands. Sinclair’s content is delivered via multiple platforms, including over-the-air, multi-channel video program distributors, and the nation’s largest streaming aggregator of local news content, NewsON. The Company regularly uses its website as a key source of Company information which can be accessed at www.sbgi.net.

About America’s Public Television Stations:

America's Public Television Stations (APTS) is a nonprofit membership organization ensuring a strong and financially sound public television system and helping member stations provide essential public services in education, public safety and civic leadership to their local communities and the American people. For more information, visit www.apts.org.

Category: General