Springfield’s local broadcasters are working together to prepare viewers for the transition to digital television on Feb. 17. The market’s major affiliate stations have been working individually on educating viewers about the upcoming transition, but have now coordinated efforts on several DTV educational projects.
The stations, which include KOLR-10, KSFX Ozarks FOX, KY3, KSPR and Ozarks Public Television, will collaborate on a special DTV call-in program to air 7-8 p.m. Dec. 17 on Ozarks Public Television. The program will feature panelists from each station and will invite viewers to call in with their DTV questions. Panelists include Mike Scott, general manager of KY3 and KSPR; Mark Gordon, general manager of KOLR-10 and KSFX; and Brent Moore, chief engineer at Ozarks Public Television. Additionally, each station will provide DTV experts to work in the phone bank to answer viewer questions. Experts will continue to be available from 8-9 p.m., one hour after the program, to answer questions from callers.
When asked about the single most important message to viewers, the broadcasters unanimously say, “Don’t wait!” In cities across the country that have made the transition early, viewer procrastination was one of the biggest challenges faced.
“Viewers need to test to make sure they can pick up their local channels. In some cases it will be necessary for them to also get a new antenna. Viewers won’t know that until they test the system first,” said Gordon.
Broadcasters acknowledge that the transition has caused a fair amount of stress, but want to remind viewers of the benefits that accompany the switch.
“I’m sure some will question the need to transition to digital but the vast majority of viewers appreciate the spectacular picture quality, crisper audio, wider screen, and the additional channels that are offered via multicasting,” said Scott. “It truly is the most significant advancement in the history of television.”
“Ultimately, local broadcasters want to ensure that every family in the Ozarks makes a successful transition into the digital age,” said Arlen Diamond, director of broadcast services at Missouri State University. “It’s important that families continue to have access to free, over the air television. We’re working together to ensure that everyone does.”