There are two updates concerning the upcoming repacking of WTVF NewsChannel5 and WJDE channel 31. First, WTVF NewsChannel5 is going to change from channel 25 to channel 36. A station that is involved in the repack usually constructs a side-mounted antenna for their current channel temporarily, so they can replace the top-mounted antenna for the new channel before the deadline to switch channels, but this is not the way WTVF is doing it. They have already constructed their temporary side-mounted antenna, but it is for the new channel. Their plan is when the deadline (of Oct. 18th) comes, they will switch channels to 36 on the temporary side-mounted antenna while they begin constructing and placing the permanent antenna on top, but as you can read below from an excerpt of an FCC filing, they have a problem.

"WTVF completed construction of its interim antenna facility on the post-auction channel 36 in September of 2018. The interim antenna and transmission line were installed, but have not been tested due to the continued operation of WNPX & WKMU on channel 36. WKMU has recently notified us that they intend to transition to their post-auction channel on October 18, 2019, which is the final day of phase 6. This leaves WTVF no option but to also transition on the last day of phase 6 and affords us no opportunity to remedy a problem should something go wrong. It also means that WTVF’s work to install our top-mounted full-power facility on the post-auction channel cannot begin until phase 6 is over.

Additionally, an unforeseen delay on the part of either WNPX or WKMU could keep WTVF from making our transition in a timely manner, and could threaten downstream-linked WJFB’s transition as well. "

OK, so, if you don't know what they mean by "could threaten downstream-linked WJFB’s transition as well", they are talking about WJFB 44 will be changing channels at the same time by changing from channel 44 to channel 25 (the same as WTVF's current channel). So, if there is some delay in either WKMU's (Murray, KY) or WNPX's transition to their new channels, that means WTVF will have to delay their transition as well as WJFB. There have been some stations in the repack that have been delayed because of delays in tower crews not getting to the next station in time. So, that could happen here.

Now that brings me to WJDE channel 31. It appears that WJDE will not be able to transition to their new channel 23 on Oct. 18th. The reason why is because they have not received their reimbursement from the auction to pay for the delivery of their new equipment. They say that they won't be paid in time before the deadline. So, they are requesting to move from the phase 6 deadline of Oct. 18th to phase 7 deadline of Jan. 17th, 2020 and also requesting to stay on channel 31 until they are able to get their new equipment, install it, and start broadcasting on their new channel. So, there you have it. I know this is a lot to take in, but I am trying to let everyone know what is going on with Nashville's TV airwaves.