The Enduring Presence of TV Broadcasting Stations in the United States
As of August 2023, there are still numerous TV broadcasting stations in the United States, contributing to an enriching media landscape. From traditional over-the-air broadcasters to cable networks, major networks such as ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX continue to operate local affiliates nationwide, providing a rich variety of programming including news, sports, and entertainment. Despite the rise of streaming services, traditional broadcasting remains a significant part of the media ecosystem in the U.S.
College Broadcasting and Historical Broadcast Hubs
Colleges and universities continue to broadcast on traditional VHF or UHF bands, while local stations and networks use digital bands. These stations typically have their broadcast huts and antennas placed on the same high areas, such as Mount Wilson in Los Angeles and the historic Tribune Tower in Chicago. The legacy of powerful broadcasting structures is well-documented, with the Sloan sign at the Tribune Tower once proudly advertising "Maximum power from the highest tower in Chicago!"
The Transition to Digital Broadcasting
The switch to all digital broadcasting in 2009 posed challenges for many stations. UHF channels 52-69, which were once common for TV broadcasting, had to either move down to lower frequencies on the same UHF band or to the VHF band. Channels 37 and 70-83 were de-allocated by the FCC in 1982 and 1997, respectively, to accommodate emergency dispatch and cellular frequencies. This transition has reshaped the broadcasting landscape, but the foundational structures and principles of TV broadcasting persist.
Current Broadcasting Landscape
Despite these changes, TV broadcasting remains robust in the digital age. In practically every region that hosted analog TV broadcasts, there are still TV stations operating, albeit with digital signals. These signals can now fit more programming channels into the same 6 MHz band previously used for a single channel, thanks to digital broadcasting. This has led to interesting developments such as multi-programming on subchannels. Stations are often combining their broadcast antennas to save costs while still delivering diverse programming through different subchannels.
The rise of streaming services has also impacted the traditional broadcasting model. Many consumers are cutting the "cable cord," opting for mobile and internet access to entertainment, such as Netflix and Hulu. As a result, more viewers are now purchasing antennas to receive local broadcasts from traditional stations, bypassing the often monopolistic cable companies. This trend illustrates the enduring appeal and adaptability of TV broadcasting in the digital age.
Conclusion
The United States' TV broadcasting landscape is a blend of historical tradition and modern innovation. While streaming services have certainly disrupted the traditional model, traditional TV broadcasting remains a vital and robust component of the media ecosystem. The resilience of TV broadcasting can be seen in the continued presence of numerous stations, the adaptability to digital technologies, and the growing popularity of local broadcasts among viewers.