New TV translator causing NewsChannel 12 interference in Santa Ynez Valley

UPDATE: The translator causing interference to our signal has been disabled. Please check your signals again to confirm you are still able to receive KCOY NewsChannel 12.

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SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. -- The new broadcast signal from a PBS television translator is interfering with over-the-air viewing of NewsChannel 12 and Fox 11 in the Santa Ynez Valley.

In late May, low power television station K19MO-D went on the air from a site in the Santa Ynez mountains. The translator replaced a previous signal from KCET, one of the PBS affiliates for greater Los Angeles.

For years, KCET provided over-the-air coverage to southern Santa Barbara County, but was forced to abandon its original channel during a nationwide federal "repack" process that altered allotted frequencies.

KCET filed a construction permit with the Federal Communications Commission for a replacement signal on digital channel 19. When NewsChannel 12 engineers learned of the filing, the public broadcaster was advised that plan could cause a conflict in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Over the air viewers of NewsChannel 12, Fox 11, Grit and Dabl see "virtual" numbers 12.1 through 12.4 on their television screens. However the signal, which comes from Tepesquet Peak east of Santa Maria, is actually broadcast on digital channel 19.

KCET's K19MO-D began transmitting on May 30. While the translator causes no interference along the South Coast where NewsChannel 12's over-the-air signal is not available, it does interfere in the Santa Ynez Valley, affecting viewers in Buellton, Solvang, Santa Ynez and Los Olivos.

NewsChannel 12 engineers will continue to work on mitigating the issue.

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