Public Media Venture Group (PMVG), Venture Technologies Group (VTG), and WQED have finalized a multi-part agreement aimed at improving over-the-air access to WQED’s programming for Pittsburgh viewers.

As part of this collaboration, VTG, a Pasadena-based television and radio station group, has donated WBPA-LD to PMVG to support public broadcasting efforts. PMVG has entered into an operating agreement with WQED, allowing the Pittsburgh station to use WBPA as an additional simulcast signal for its programming.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the donation on November 26. WQED is now operating WBPA under a simulcast agreement, providing viewers with another way to access its content.

This partnership addresses the ongoing challenge WQED faces in reaching antenna viewers with its Low-VHF Channel 4 signal, which has historically been difficult to receive. Recently, WQED increased its Channel 4 transmission power to 35 kilowatts, tripling its previous output. Now, with WQED’s programming also available on WBPA’s more accessible Channel 12, viewers have an improved option for reliable reception.

Thanks to the Program and System Information Protocol (PSIP) standard, viewers can continue tuning in to WQED on their usual virtual Channel 13. Their television sets will automatically select the strongest available signal.

“We’re grateful to the Public Media Venture Group for helping make our television signal more accessible,” said Jason Jedlinski, president and CEO of WQED Multimedia. “Simulcasting on a higher frequency helps ensure that more viewers in our region can reliably receive our broadcasts and stay connected to trusted PBS programming.”

Marc Hand, CEO of PMVG, added, “Acquiring WBPA helps give WQED the reach it needs to serve the region effectively. This is exactly why we exist—to help stations strengthen their local service and ensure that public media remains accessible to everyone.”

Disclaimer: This article has been auto-generated from a syndicated RSS feed and has not been edited by Vitrina staff. It is provided solely for informational purposes on a non-commercial basis.