Sinclair and ONE Media Technologies Outline NextGen TV, Tech Plans for NAB Show

Why It Matters

The rollout demonstrates how next‑gen broadcast standards can expand reach, improve spectrum efficiency and open new revenue streams for broadcasters and advertisers.

Key Takeaways

• Sinclair to demonstrate single‑transmission ATSC 3.0 for all screens
• Harvey Arnold honored with NAB Television Engineering Achievement Award
• Panels will explore BPS as GPS‑complement for datacenter timing
• Technical papers address ATSC 3.0 integration with 5G and O‑RAN

Pulse Analysis

The 2026 NAB Show marks a pivotal moment for the broadcast industry as Sinclair and ONE Media put ATSC 3.0 front‑and‑center. Their "Broadcast Once. Deliver Everywhere" vision promises a single high‑efficiency transmission that can feed traditional TVs, smartphones, and tablets simultaneously, reducing the need for multiple distribution layers. By leveraging the advanced capabilities of ATSC 3.0—enhanced video codecs, IP‑based delivery, and robust data services—broadcasters can offer interactive experiences while reclaiming valuable spectrum for other uses.

A core focus of Sinclair’s agenda is the Broadcast Positioning System (BPS), a terrestrial timing and location solution designed to complement GPS, especially in GNSS‑challenged environments. BPS can provide precise synchronization for datacenters and edge devices, bolstering the reliability of live sports, emergency alerts, and targeted advertising. The inclusion of BPS discussions signals industry momentum toward resilient, hybrid positioning architectures that safeguard broadcast continuity and open new monetization pathways through location‑based services.

Sinclair’s technical papers also highlight convergence trends, notably ATSC 3.0’s interworking with 5G core networks and O‑RAN standards. By aligning broadcast with mobile and cloud infrastructures, the company positions itself at the nexus of traditional TV and next‑generation broadband. This integration promises lower latency, scalable content delivery, and the ability to embed AI‑driven analytics directly into the broadcast workflow. For advertisers and content owners, the result is a more granular, data‑rich ecosystem that can drive higher engagement and incremental revenue in a rapidly evolving media landscape.