Perhaps the HDTV egg has hatched after all. Or maybe it's the pressure from Commissioner Powell. Whatever the reason, high-def programming from broadcasters is up 50 percent, according to NAB.
A total of 2,000 hours of HDTV primetime programming, sporting events and movies are scheduled for the 2002-2003 season. NBC has expanded its primetime HDTV programming for the first time, while ABC and CBS are broadcasting most of their primetime shows in HD. The WB is showing four of its primetime programs in HD and PBS is broadcasting high-def presentations of performances, art programs and special event coverage. Neither Fox nor UPN are showing any HD.
CBS is broadcasting college basketball and football in HD, while ABC is showing next year's Super Bowl in HD, as well as the NBA finals and the Stanley Cup, and plans to broadcast the 2003-2004 season of Monday Night Football in high-def.
