Some of your local TV channels are getting ready to change frequencies, part of a national effort involving around 1000 stations.
If you watch local channels for free with an antenna, you’ll need to rescan your TV to continue receiving WNDU 16, WSBT 22, WSJV 28, WNIT 34, and WHME 46. That’s because frequencies are shifting in order to make room for new 5G services and improved mobile broadband services in the area.
Cable and satellite subscribers will not be affected by the changes.
The FCC says the frequency changes are expected to be completed on October 18.
Instructions and Tips From the FCC to Help TV Viewers Rescan Their TVs:
Most viewers don’t need any new devices, equipment, or services to rescan their TV.
The FCC has posted an instructional video showing viewers how to rescan their TV and information for consumers and the press about the rescan process.
To rescan, viewers will need their TV remote control or analog TV converter box, then choose “Channel Scan,” “Channel Tuning,” or “Auto Search” in the “Setup” or “Channel” menu. Once you find either the “Channel Scan” or “Channel Tuning” buttons, choose the automatic option to rescan.
By rescanning, viewers who watch TV for free using an antenna will keep their existing channels, and may even discover new channels in their broadcast area.
TV stations are changing frequencies on a rolling basis, so consumers will likely need to rescan their television more than once.
For further assistance, TV viewers can visit www.fcc.gov/TVrescan or call the consumer help line at 1-888-CALLFCC (1-888-225-5322) and press “6” to speak with a dedicated help desk representative, seven days a week, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. (EST). The call center is available in English and Spanish and the information on the website is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Tagalog.