Eight to hold Flagstaff community engagement event for digital broadcast service upgrade

WHAT:  Eight, Arizona PBS will be conducting a community information event for Flagstaff-area residents to learn about the expanded PBS programming available to them courtesy of the recently upgraded digital broadcast signal via newly installed rural repeater transmitters.  The event will also highlight specific instructions on how to receive the new digital signal, and a public Q&A. Area residents wishing to RSVP for the event should contact Sherry at [email protected], or call 602-496-5870.

This service upgrade will:

• Bring television viewers within the expanded signal areas free over-the-air access to Eight HD (DTV 8.1) programming in full high definition video;
• Also provide free over-the-air access to Eight’s other digital channels, including Eight Life (DTV 8.2), Eight World (DTV 8.3) and Eight Classical (DTV 8.4);
• Bring Eight’s broadcast signal to rural Arizonans within an expanded coverage area, in some cases up to four times larger than the current service area;
• Provide access to the SunSounds reading service for the visually impaired via 8.4 secondary audio.

Eight, Arizona PBS has also provided informational resources on its website at www.azpbs.org/digital, including step-by-step instructions for channel re-scanning, and information about use of antennas, and other technical support.

WHO:  Eight, Arizona PBS General Manager Kelly McCullough and Eight, Arizona PBS development and support staff.  This event is free to attend, and open to the public.

WHERE:  Branigar-Chase Auditorium, Museum of Northern Arizona, 3101 N. Fort Valley Road, Flagstaff, AZ  86001

WHEN:  Friday, July 26th, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

PHOTO OPPS:  Eight, Arizona PBS General Manager Kelly McCullough presents details about the variety of Eight channels and programming that will be available now to rural Arizonans. Eight, Arizona PBS Associate Director of Development Gary McMahan demonstrates how to receive the new digital broadcast signal, using an analog television with a digital converter box, as well as a digital television.  A public question and answer session follows the presentations.

Media Contact:  Colleen O’Donnell Pierce
[email protected]
(602) 496-0579
(602) 478-3867 (cell)
Visit azpbs.org/pressroom

About Arizona PBS

Arizona PBS is a trusted community resource.  For over 52 years, the PBS station has focused on educating children, reporting in-depth on public affairs, fostering lifelong learning and celebrating arts and culture. Arizona PBS achieves its mission through the power of non-commercial television, the Internet, educational outreach and community-based initiatives. Its signal reaches 80 percent of the homes in Arizona. With more than 1 million viewers weekly, Arizona PBS consistently ranks among the most-viewed public television stations per capita in the country. For more information, visit azpbs.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram, Pinterest or Tumblr.

Arizona PBS is a member-supported community service of Arizona State University and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.