White Springs Media to Provide Unique Programming for Digital Multicasting

White Springs Media is now providing satellite delivered TV programming to it's first Muitlicast Channels outlet. In May 2006 it began providing programming 24x7 via satellite to a commercial station in Virginia for one of it’s multicast channels.

White Springs, Florida (PRWEB) May 26, 2006 -- The advent of digital television technology has allowed broadcast television stations to compress their signal so they can use one signal to air multiple channels of programming. This process is called “multicasting” and many believe it will be critical to the survival of free over-the-air local television following the mandated transition to digital -- a mandate that allows television stations to transmit four different program schedules at the same time.

Congress is currently working on a revision of the original bill that mandated that all television stations convert to digital television. Some Broadcasters have asked Congress to add language that would require cable companies to carry all of a television station’s multicast signals. The cable companies oppose multicast ‘must carry’ even though it will not take any more bandwidth than the old analog channels. The revisions are likely to generate considerable debate as to whether Congress can demand that cable systems, as well as the already mandated television stations, must carry all the new digital channels.
However, regardless of how this debate is resolved, the central question is not ‘must carry’, but will the programming provided on these additional channels attract viewers?

Among the first independent companies to offer television stations and cable systems 24x7 digital programming is White Springs Media, a privately owned Teleport situated in White Springs, Florida. WSM currently operates a satellite delivered radio network and a FTA (Free To Air) satellite TV Channel which covers all of Canada, USA, Mexico and much of Central America.

Until recently, the White Springs Media satellite TV channel was seen only by viewers with KU Band satellite dishes and receivers. WSM’s FTA channel is one of about 81 channels broadcasting in English from space-to-home, with no subscription fee. The program content is comprised almost entirely of movies presented without commercial interruption---there are commercials, but they are sandwiched in among musical shorts, previews and cartoons. For a schedule of WSM’s programming, see www.FTAlist.com.

For the past few years White Springs Media has provided recorded syndicated barter programming to TV stations in a few states. However, in May 2006 it began providing programming 24x7 via satellite to a commercial station in Virginia for one of it’s multicast channels. The schedule is made up of made-for-television movies from the 70’s and 80’s as well as classic and not so classic movies and other programs.

Victor Ives, spokesperson for White Springs Media says, “We shipped a KU Band dish and receiver to the Virginia station to carry our shows. We will do that for any station interested in an affiliation.”

Bob Laman, who handles business and legal arrangements for White Springs Media, says, “We are currently negotiating to carry some very compelling original programming, ranging from independently produced comedy sketches, regional wrestling for local markets and sporting events for the Canadian market.” Laman continued, “We see our niche as being eclectic, with a decided bent toward the offbeat and unusual.”

For information contact:

White Springs Media/Master Control
9604 SE 157th Ave
White Springs, FL 32096
386 397 4155

Victor M. Ives
White Springs Media
1180 SW Zivney Lane
Lake Oswego,OR 97034
506 638 4839 Telephone
506 638 8099 Fax Line

Bob Laman
503 695 3242

###