Preparing for Change TV Stations Are Moving Frequencies

What is Happening? By law, many TV stations must move frequencies in the upcoming months, including <<station>>. As directed by the Federal Communications Commission, stations will be moving at different times starting in 2018 through at least the spring of 2020. Our station is moving frequencies on <<date>>. If you watch TV for free, over the air using an antenna, you will need to take action to keep watching your local channels, including ours.

Which Stations Are Moving? <<Include information on all stations in the market that are moving, including transition dates, if available.>>

Why is this Happening? In 2012, the Federal Communications Commission – the agency that regulates the public airwaves – held an auction to reallocate broadcast airwaves for wireless broadband services. The auction recently concluded and the FCC has determined nearly 1,000 TV stations that did not participate in the auction must move frequencies to make room for wireless services.

How Does this Impact Me? If you watch TV over the air with an antenna, you will need to rescan your TV sets when stations move frequencies to continue watching TV for free. Because TV stations are moving at different times, you will need to rescan your TVs more than once. (Each time a station moves). You will not have to purchase new equipment or services.

What Do I Need to Do? If you watch TV for free with an antenna, stay tuned to our station and your other local TV stations for information about when we plan to move frequencies. On that date, rescan your TV set. Once you rescan, you’ll find us at the same channel number. If you know of someone who watches TV with an antenna, make sure they know when and how to rescan so they are not left in the dark. If you subscribe to cable or satellite service, you do not need to rescan. Your service provider will do it for you.

How to Rescan Rescanning your TV set is a simple process: Select "scan" or "autotune" from your TV or converter box control menu to start the scanning process. You can usually find instructions by pressing the "set-up" or "menu" buttons on your television or digital antenna remote control. If you have difficulty, consult the owner's manual for more detailed instructions on how to run a channel scan, or contact customer service for your TV or converter box manufacturer.

You can find out more, including instructions on how to rescan at TVAnswers.org.

Need Further Help? Contact the FCC Consumer Help Center at fcc.gov/consumers or at (888) 225-5322.

Questions?