Public Telecommunications Facilities Program
- Click here to use and interact with the Public Television Station Online Viewing Application
NPR
Labs, in collaboration with PBS Technology and Operations, requested
funds from the Public Telecommunications Facilities Program ( PTFP ) to
research, prepare and distribute a comprehensive, nationwide study of
public television digital coverage, necessitated by the change in the
service area of many public television stations due to the shut off of
analog signals in February 2009.
The DTV transition caused many
stations to change their channels and operate under different broadcast
characteristics that will change their service area. This study helps
users understand the implications of their new service area, including
identifying under-served areas of the country, changes in service area
and population, and changes in cable carriage. This study includes TV
translators---identified by the study CPB is sponsoring---to create a
verified list of TV translators of all CPB-qualified public TV
licensees.
The study performed an in-depth analysis of the new
market coverage for each public television station that can guide
station-planning efforts to improve coverage and services. In addition,
the study tabulated demographic coverage for minorities and specialized
audiences, such as citizens with visual or hearing impairment.
To
make
the study accessible to the largest range of potential users, the
results are presented in this interactive Web-based system. The study
included collaboration with public television licensees, organizations
and stakeholders.
Unique features are:
- Downloadable data
In addition to printed compendiums, detailed
mapping and demographic data is available to all PTFP-eligible entities
for download on the Web;
- Configurable coverage maps
Levels of labeling and detail are selectable via the on-line viewing
application to provide enhanced illustrations and analysis;
- Historical projections
Inclusion of key demographic data from a
previous U.S. Census to identify historical shifts in population served
by public television; and
- Ongoing support
All data will be maintained continuously for one year following its initial release.
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