Is WNET (PBS 13) on NextGen TV?

PBS · channel 13 · Newark, NJ (New York market)

Yes. WNET still broadcasts its regular signal from its own transmitter, so nothing changed for your TV. A NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0) version also airs from WLIW's transmitter (since October 16, 2023).

Source: FCC licensing records, checked October 29, 2026.

WNET at a glance

Channel on your TV
13
Real (RF) broadcast channel
12 · VHF-high
Network
PBS
City of license
Newark, NJ
TV market
New York (#1)
License type
Full-power
NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0)
Yes — via WLIW
NextGen TV since
October 16, 2023
Old-format (1.0) signal
On its own transmitter
FCC facility ID
18795

How WNET shares transmitters

During the switch, stations in a market pair up: one transmitter (the “lighthouse”) goes NextGen-only and carries everyone’s 3.0 versions, while its own old-format programming moves to a partner. Your TV shows the same channel numbers either way.

  • WNET’s NextGen TV version airs from WLIW (PBS 21) (RF 32).
  • WNET’s transmitter also carries the old-format signal of WLIW (PBS 21).

Questions about WNET

Is WNET broadcasting in ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV)?

Yes. WNET still broadcasts its regular signal from its own transmitter, so nothing changed for your TV. A NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0) version also airs from WLIW's transmitter (since October 16, 2023).

Will WNET stop working on my TV?

Not under today's rules. Any full-power or Class A station that switches to NextGen TV must keep an old-format (ATSC 1.0) simulcast on the air, and that requirement has no end date. What could change it: broadcasters have asked the FCC to let full-power stations in the 55 largest markets end old-format signals in February 2028. The FCC's own October 2025 proposal leaned the other way — letting each station choose when to stop. A final decision is expected by the end of 2026.

Why can't I get channel 13?

Start with a full channel rescan (Settings → Channels → Auto scan) — stations change transmitters and frequencies more often than people expect. WNET transmits on real (RF) channel 12, which is VHF-high. Many flat and "HD" indoor antennas are built mainly for UHF and do poorly on VHF-high (channels 7–13). If this station drops out while UHF stations come in, try an antenna that lists VHF-high reception, or one with rabbit-ear dipoles extended.

Why channels disappear → · Where the FCC decision stands → · Does my TV have a 3.0 tuner? →

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