Fox Television Stations and Nexstar Media Group Inc. has brought new digital broadcast technology to Los Angeles, the second-largest television market in the United States.
 
Describing it as “revolutionary,” the companies announced Dec. 16 that they launched Nextgen TV on KTTV-TV (FOX 11), KCOP-TV (My13), and KTLA-TV (KTLA 5). The free technology service offers viewers enhanced audio and video, additional news and entertainment choices, and a platform to add interactive applications in the future. The three local channels are the first to enhance their broadcasts with the technology, although the features available will vary by device and by broadcaster as commercial service becomes more widely available.
 
According to Nexstar, the data Nextgen TV provides has potential uses to support new businesses in e-learning, automotive for the connected cars, digital signage, education and distance learning, global positioning systems, public safety for emergency and other alerts, telemedicine and more.
 
The company describes its technology as “future-proof,” with the ability to improve and receive updates as it not only expands to new markets but also as it increases its technological offerings.
 
Nextgen technology is already built into the hardware of televisions manufactured by LG Corporation, Samsung Electronics Co. and Sony Group Corporation.
 
Chantilly, VA-based management consulting firm BIA Advisory Services recently released a report projecting that datacasting services will account for almost 22% of broadcasters' total revenue by 2030 and could generate up to $15 billion in additional revenue in that time. By comparison, the company calculated that ad revenue from TV over the air will rise much more modestly, from $19.85 billion in 2022 to just $20.13 billion during that same time period.
 
Nexstar owns 197 television stations across the U.S., and is the largest station owner in the country.
 
“Launching Nextgen TV in the nation’s second-largest market will provide a variety of immediate benefits for our Los Angeles area viewers and for KTLA 5,” said Brett Jenkins, eecutive vice president and chief technology officer for Nexstar. “The brilliant video and vibrant audio delivered by Nextgen TV will be immediate and noticeable to our viewers.”
 
The addition of the Los Angeles stations brings the number of cities in which it can be used to 40.
 
“L.A. is the largest market in America to broadcast Nextgen TV,” Bill Lamb, senior vice president and general manager of KTTV-TV and KCOP-TV, said in a statement. “Fox is proud to lead that effort and bring the absolute best immersive experience with this cutting-edge broadcast technology to our viewers and our advertising clients.”