NEWS RELEASE

Committee on Energy and Commerce
Rep. John D. Dingell, Chairman

Committee Announces Hearing to Assess
DTV Transition Preparedness

Washington, D.C. – The Committee on Energy and Commerce today announced a Telecommunications and the Internet Subcommittee hearing on Wednesday, February 13, 2008, on the status of the digital television (DTV) transition. The hearing will assess the nation’s preparedness to make the switch from analog to digital television on February 17, 2009.

“As the one-year countdown to the DTV transition approaches, it’s time to make sure every American household will be able to take advantage of the great benefits this transition promises,” said Rep. John D. Dingell (D-MI), Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. “Right now, I am not confident that government agencies, retailers, broadcasters and all other stakeholders are taking all the steps necessary to ensure consumers are adequately informed and ready for this transition. The Committee will continue its oversight of the DTV transition process until the big day arrives and afterwards, if needed, to ensure consumers are not left behind.”

A particular focus will be placed on consumer access to converter boxes that will allow digital signals to be displayed on analog televisions. Hearing witnesses will be announced at a future date.

"As part of our ongoing oversight of the DTV transition process, this hearing will be a key opportunity to check-in on the various aspects of the transition, which is so important for public safety, economic growth, innovation, consumer welfare, and the future of television itself. With just a year to go, we want this transition to be as smooth as possible for American consumers,” said Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.

To date, the Committee on Energy and Commerce has held three hearings on the status of the DTV transition during the 110th Congress.

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