Cordcutter News: Broadcast TV could be killed by new FCC decision.
Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2025 7:07 pm
This is seriously concerning.
Chicago-based Weigel Broadcasting Co., the parent company of popular networks MeTV and MeTV Toons, recently meet with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to address significant concerns regarding the proposed switch to the ATSC 3.0 broadcasting standard. On September 3, 2025, company representatives met with FCC staff, including officials from Chairman Carr’s office, the Media Bureau, and Commissioner Trusty’s office, to discuss the implications of the transition and its potential impact on viewers.
The discussions centered on Weigel’s opposition to a mandated flash cut to ATSC 3.0, a proposal initially put forward by the National Association of Broadcasters. Weigel argued that the new standard could transform free television into an expensive service, complicating access for consumers. The company highlighted fears that broadcasters might prioritize non-broadcast services, such as pay television and private data delivery, potentially degrading or neglecting traditional over-the-air broadcasting. This shift could disproportionately affect rural audiences, who rely heavily on free television due to limited content and connectivity options.
A key focus of the meeting was the role of the Advanced Television Systems Committee (A3SA) and its signal signing certification requirements. Weigel expressed unease about A3SA’s authority to certify whether broadcasters’ signals meet certain standards, which could allow the organization to block receivers from displaying signals that fail to comply. This power extends even to non-DRM encrypted stations, raising concerns about potential overreach by a private entity. The company conducted “High Noon” testing on August 20, 2025, to evaluate these requirements, further informing their stance.
Weigel proposed several remedies to mitigate these issues, including the elimination of the signal signing certificate requirement and a prohibition on private organizations usurping FCC licensing authority. The company also advocated against a forced transition to ATSC 3.0, emphasizing the need to maintain the substantially similar rule and adopt guardrails to ensure sufficient broadcast spectrum for free over-the-air television. Their proposed Broadcast PLP was presented as a solution to support a vibrant television ecosystem.
The meeting, attended by Weigel executives Evan Fieldman and Kyle Walker, along with FCC staff, underscored the company’s commitment to protecting consumer access to free television. A detailed presentation on A3SA concerns accompanied the filing, submitted electronically to the FCC on September 4, 2025. As the debate over ATSC 3.0 continues, Weigel’s input may play a crucial role in shaping the future of broadcasting standards.
Chicago-based Weigel Broadcasting Co., the parent company of popular networks MeTV and MeTV Toons, recently meet with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to address significant concerns regarding the proposed switch to the ATSC 3.0 broadcasting standard. On September 3, 2025, company representatives met with FCC staff, including officials from Chairman Carr’s office, the Media Bureau, and Commissioner Trusty’s office, to discuss the implications of the transition and its potential impact on viewers.
The discussions centered on Weigel’s opposition to a mandated flash cut to ATSC 3.0, a proposal initially put forward by the National Association of Broadcasters. Weigel argued that the new standard could transform free television into an expensive service, complicating access for consumers. The company highlighted fears that broadcasters might prioritize non-broadcast services, such as pay television and private data delivery, potentially degrading or neglecting traditional over-the-air broadcasting. This shift could disproportionately affect rural audiences, who rely heavily on free television due to limited content and connectivity options.
A key focus of the meeting was the role of the Advanced Television Systems Committee (A3SA) and its signal signing certification requirements. Weigel expressed unease about A3SA’s authority to certify whether broadcasters’ signals meet certain standards, which could allow the organization to block receivers from displaying signals that fail to comply. This power extends even to non-DRM encrypted stations, raising concerns about potential overreach by a private entity. The company conducted “High Noon” testing on August 20, 2025, to evaluate these requirements, further informing their stance.
Weigel proposed several remedies to mitigate these issues, including the elimination of the signal signing certificate requirement and a prohibition on private organizations usurping FCC licensing authority. The company also advocated against a forced transition to ATSC 3.0, emphasizing the need to maintain the substantially similar rule and adopt guardrails to ensure sufficient broadcast spectrum for free over-the-air television. Their proposed Broadcast PLP was presented as a solution to support a vibrant television ecosystem.
The meeting, attended by Weigel executives Evan Fieldman and Kyle Walker, along with FCC staff, underscored the company’s commitment to protecting consumer access to free television. A detailed presentation on A3SA concerns accompanied the filing, submitted electronically to the FCC on September 4, 2025. As the debate over ATSC 3.0 continues, Weigel’s input may play a crucial role in shaping the future of broadcasting standards.