[CordCutters News]
By Luke Bouma | March 1, 2025

The landscape of free over-the-air (OTA) television is on the brink of a dramatic transformation. Local station owners affiliated with ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, backed by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), have petitioned the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to phase out the aging ATSC 1.0 broadcasting standard in favor of ATSC 3.0, also known as NextGen TV. If approved, this shift could end free access to ABC, CBS, FOX, & NBC for millions of viewers know it—unless they upgrade their equipment.

The NAB’s proposal outlines a two-phase timeline for the transition. By February 2028, stations in the top 55 U.S. markets, covering roughly 70% of households, would switch entirely to ATSC 3.0. The remaining markets would follow suit by February 2030. This hard deadline aims to streamline a process that has lingered in a dual-broadcast limbo, with stations simulcasting in both ATSC 1.0 and 3.0 to accommodate viewers with older TVs. For broadcasters, maintaining both standards is a costly burden—one they’re eager to shed. Yet doing so will also mean millions of people will find their TVs unable to access ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC unless they upgrade.

This will also mean many DVRs for your antenna will stop working because of DRM and the lack of a 3.0 tuner.

So far, according to Pearl TV, 15 million tuners with ATSC 3.0 have been sold to over 133 million American households in the United States. So, at most, just 11% of American households have an ATSC 3.0 tuner, assuming each runner was sold to a different household.

ATSC 3.0 promises significant upgrades for viewers willing to adapt. Known as NextGen TV, it delivers sharper picture quality with higher frame rates and high dynamic range, alongside interactive features that personalize the viewing experience. Beyond entertainment, the technology supports innovations like the Broadcast Positioning System (BPS), a potential GPS alternative that could bolster national security by addressing vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. These benefits, however, come with a catch: most current TVs lack ATSC 3.0 receivers, leaving many consumers unprepared.

To ease the transition, the NAB is urging the FCC to modernize outdated regulations. A key demand is mandating that all new TVs include ATSC 3.0 receivers—a rule not currently in place. Today, many budget-friendly models skip this feature, risking a future where new TV buyers in 2030 can’t access free OTA broadcasts without additional hardware. The NAB also wants updated rules for television reception devices and fair carriage obligations for multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) to ensure a smooth shift without disrupting viewers or providers.

The push for ATSC 3.0 isn’t without controversy. For decades, free OTA TV has been a lifeline for millions, especially in rural areas or for those avoiding pricey cable subscriptions. Critics worry that the transition could leave behind viewers unable—or unwilling—to upgrade, particularly if affordable ATSC 3.0-compatible TVs remain scarce. Broadcasters counter that the long timeline—spanning five to seven years—gives consumers and manufacturers ample time to adjust.

For station owners, the financial incentive is clear: operating dual signals strains budgets, and a full switch to ATSC 3.0 could unlock new revenue streams through interactive ads and services. Yet, the real test lies ahead. If the FCC greenlights the plan, public awareness campaigns and accessible technology will be critical to avoid alienating loyal OTA audiences.

As the deadline looms, the fate of free TV hangs in the balance. Will viewers embrace NextGen TV’s promise, or will the cost of progress fracture a cherished public resource? For now, the FCC holds the key to this high-stakes reboot of America’s airwaves.