Some television stations in this market will be affected by the transition to new TV frequencies this weekend.
Viewers who watch TV with an over–the–air antenna will need to rescan their TV to continue receiving those channels. The Federal Communications Commission's Jean Kiddoo says the rescan options should clear up any issues.
“A good rule of thumb for a viewer who tunes to a channel that they’re used to seeing, and they find a blue screen or one of those ‘snowy’ screens, they should rescan. They may have to do it more than once, but it only takes three or four minutes and they should be good to go.”
Kiddoo says the change comes as more bandwidth is reassigned to wireless carriers.
"We were able to auction to wireless carriers to increase their capacity for mobile broadband services, provide faster, faster service for their networks, and also to deploy 5G services."
There are five stations in the Paducah–Cape Girardeau–Harrisburg–Mt.Vernon area with frequencies changing: KBSI (23), WKMU (21), WKPD (29), WTCT (27), and WDKA (49).
Also included is WUSI in Olney, Illinois - Channel 16.
The FCC has numerous tools to help viewers, as there will be waves of stations changing frequency over the next few months. You can watch this video, or call 1-888-CALLFCC (1-888-225-5322) for more information.
