Over-the-air TV viewers struggling with tower work

A plan to upgrade a “candelabra” TV tower on Madison’s west side has been delayed, leaving some over-the-air television viewers wondering what happened to their local channels.

WISC-TV (Ch. 3), WHA-TV (Ch. 21), WMSN-TV (Ch. 47), and WIFS (Ch. 57) broadcast from the one tower at 453 S. Pleasant View Road. Channel 3 and Channel 47 had to change frequencies, while the others are operating at a lower power level, according to a Wisconsin State Journal report.

Satellite and cable TV subscribers are not affected.

The work was scheduled to occur in September, but the crew from Tower Consultants Inc. was delayed, and fall weather has not been conducive to climbing or repairs.

The crews are now working as quickly as they can on the upgrade, which will allow for 4K TV in the future. Barring more inclement weather, the final antenna replacement is scheduled for Dec. 9.