MHz In DC

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History

The story of MHz Networks in DC began at the WNVT broadcast center in Northern Virginia, where a self-sustaining alternative to traditional PBS-affiliated public television was created. MHz Networks (then WNVC and WNVT) believed it was possible to create non-PBS affiliated public television programming that is independent, innovative, mission-based and globally-relevant.

Since 1994 when WNVC became World View TV, and again in 1999 when the last vestiges of PBS affiliation for WNVT were dismissed, MHz Networks created new a programming schedule that corresponded to the new feel, ultimately responsible for drawing new audiences to the two newly created independent public TV stations.

In 1994, MHz started to garner an audience with the estimated 25% (1M people at the time) of the D.C. region's population that is non-native born, including Indians, Pakistanis, Salvadorans, Mexicans, Chinese, Vietnamese, East Europeans and others. The audience also included the general population, most of whom had professional, social, and cultural interests in the international realm. This audience base still stands today and is reflected in the content. The programming, at this time, was built around daily foreign newscasts, 12 in total. MHz Networks also acquired classic foreign films, World Cup soccer replays and contemporary foreign language dramas.

Most importantly, MHz opened up airtime for local TV producers from the diaspora communities, averaging 12 hours of locally-produced, ethnic-specific programming a week since the mid-nineties. The World View TV brand gained its momentum and strength in D.C. during this time and continues to grow both locally and nationally. The programming line-up continues to feature new broadcasters and additional content reflective of the MHz Networks mission.

In 1999, MHz Networks focused on the 15 to 35-year-old audience on the second channel, WNVT, by creating original content featuring music and technology-rich programs appealing to a more diverse audience. In 2001, both stations were officially placed under one umbrella brand- MHz Networks- emphasizing our role as content creators.

During this time as well, MHz attracted urban, Latino and Asian audiences to our studios in large numbers to see an ever-increasing list of top musicians and performers. Many of these audiences were the children of the viewers of our foreign-language programming. The featured talent lists included over 200 local, regional, and national artists, who helped our stations win multiple Emmy Awards and a Billboard Music Award. To date, over 155 PBS affiliates carry MHz Presents, proving keen interest in locally-produced alternative programming.

In recent years, MHz Networks has streamlined and grown the channel offerings to include eight 24/7 channels, (then 10 with the June 12, 2009 digital transition) in the local Washington DC Metro, all of which feature English-accessible international programming meant to promote understanding, knowledge, clarity and openess among globally-minded viewers.

The next frontier for MHz Networks is mobile, clipcasting and the development of additional technologies to connect viewers with international content that connects cultures.

Channel Availability

MHz Networks launched its 10 channel line-up on June 12, 2009 in the Washington, D.C. metro. The ten full-time digital channels are comprised of premier broadcasters from throughout the globe.

MHz Networks digital channels are viewable over-the-air on 30.1-30.10. Viewers are able to experience a multitude of perspectives, not readily available in the U.S., with international news, documentaries, series, sports, music and more; all for free.

30.1-30.5 are broadcast from the Fairfax County tower (WNVC) in Merrifield, VA and MHz Networks 6-10 (30.6-30.10) are broadcast from the Prince William Country (WNVT) tower near Quantico/I-95 South.

MHz Worldview is 30.1, NHK World TV is 30.2, CCTV News is 30.3, RT is 30.4, Al Jazeera English is 30.5, CCTV Documentary is 30.6, France 24 is 30.7, RT Espanol is 30.8, Arirang TV is 30.9 and Ethiopian TV is 30.10.

Comcast and Cox cable carry the new 10 channel MHz Networks line-up.

RCN cable and Verizon FiOS currently carry the old 8 channel line-up. Please visit the 'How to Watch' tab to see the current channel numbers in your area.

DirecTV and DishNetwork carry MHz Networks 1 (MHz Worldview DC) as 'must-carry' channels, 56 and 8077, respectively.

MHz Worldview DC, NHK World, CCTV News, RT, Al Jazeera English, CCTV Documentary, France 24 and RT Espanol are available in the 8 channel line-up found on RCN and Verizon FiOS.

MHz Worldview DC, NHK World TV, CCTV News, RT, Al Jazeera English, CCTV Documentary, France 24, RT Espanol, Arirang TV and Ethiopian TV are available in the 10 channel line-up on Comcast and Cox, and over the air digital broadcast.

For Comcast subscription information, please contact 1-800-COMCAST (1-800-266-2278) or visit www.comcast.com.

For Cox subscription information, please visit www.cox.com to find the subscription office closest to you.

For RCN subscription information, please contact 1-800-RING-RCN or visit www.rcn.com.

For Verizon FiOS subscription information, please visit www22.verizon.com/content/FiOSTV.

http://www.mhznetworks.org/subscribe_mhzine/

The national channel, MHz Worldview (MHz Networks 1), is featured in the local DC Metro via the above distribution and nationally on DirecTV as well as through 30 broadcast and cable affiliates throughout the nation. For more information on MHz Worldview, please visit the MHz Worldview section of the website.