Binghamton area antenna users may need to "re-scan" their TV channels to find WSKG TV, because the station has changed over to a new transmitter . You only need to take action if the station has disappeared from your television set and you have been receiving WSKG by antenna (this does not pertain to cable or satellite viewers.)
How?
When you first got your TV, part of the set up was to "scan" for available channels. Because WSKG TV, like most other TV stations, has been directed to move to a new frequency, if you watch with an antenna your TV may no longer receive WSKG. You'll have to use the "menu" function on your TV's remote to scan for WSKG. However, after the procedure, because of the way digital TV works, the number you see on your TV set won't change. (Cable and satellite viewers don't have to do this.)
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Viewers who need assistance rescanning their TV may also contact the FCC call center toll-free by dialing 1-888-CALLFCC (1-888-225-5322) and pressing "6" to speak to a help desk representative. The call center is staffed from 8:00am to 1:00am Eastern time, seven days a week.
Why?
The move is mandatory under law. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) held a spectrum auction, and directed most TV stations to change frequencies to make room for the sold spectrum to be used by cell phone companies and other users. Learn more about the mandated change here.
When?
WSKG signed on the new transmitter the morning of Tuesday, May 26, 2020. If you no longer receive WSKG, this may be the reason. A rescan should fix the problem.
What's involved behind the scenes?
WSKG's engineers have been preparing for the changes for over a year. A new transmitter was purchased with funds supplied by the federal government. The old equipment must be turned off as the new equipment is turned on.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: I receive WSKG by cable. Do I have to do anything?
- A: No, only antenna users need to rescan their TVs. Cable viewers shouldn't see any changes.
- Q: How about satellite?
- A: No, satellite TV viewers shouldn't need to do anything to view WSKG after the change.
- Q: Does this affect PBS Kids, Create and World?
- Only if you're watching via antenna. Rescanning your TV set May 26 after noon will restore access to all four of WSKG's over-the-air TV channels.
- Q: What frequency did WSKG move to?
- Digital TV uses “virtual channel numbers” for tuning, which do not actually correspond with real frequencies any more. Even with our new transmitter, your TV will continue to find WSKG in Binghamton at 46-1, 46-2, etc as it always has.
- Q: I'm pretty competent with tech, but the rescan didn't pick up WSKG on my TV. Help!
- Some TVs (older Samsungs, for example) need to have their memory wiped more completely for the rescan to work. Enter the FCC-recommended DOUBLE RESCAN:
- Disconnect the antenna from the box or digital TV.
- Re-scan the box or digital TV without the antenna connected. As with any scan follow the on-screen instructions or owner's manual for your device.
- Unplug the box or digital TV from the electrical outlet for at least one minute.
- Reconnect the antenna to the box or digital TV, then plug the unit back into the electrical outlet.
- Rescan the box or digital TV one more time.
- Some TVs (older Samsungs, for example) need to have their memory wiped more completely for the rescan to work. Enter the FCC-recommended DOUBLE RESCAN:
- Q: I live around Corning, NY. I watch WSKG on Channel 30. Does this affect me?
- No, the change for Channel 30 happened last summer. If you can currently see WSKG using an antenna in the Elmira/Corning area, nothing will change.
- Q: I really don't understand this. Do I have to do anything?
- Yes, if you watch WSKG with an antenna, you probably can't get WSKG TV right now. We suggest asking a technically-minded friend or family member for help re-scanning your TV for all the new channels. There are also step-by-step instructions here.
- Viewers who need assistance rescanning their TV may also contact the FCC call center toll-free by dialing 1-888-CALLFCC (1-888-225-5322) and pressing "6" to speak to a help desk representative. The call center is staffed from 8:00am to 1:00am Eastern time, seven days a week, to enable consumers throughout the country to obtain assistance during evening and weekend hours.