NEWS RELEASE

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

Dingell, Markey Commend FCC for Releasing
Digital Television Consumer Education Plan

Washington, DC – Key leaders of the Committee on Energy and Commerce today commended the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for approving a plan to educate consumers about the upcoming digital television transition.

“I’m pleased the FCC approved a comprehensive consumer education plan for the digital television transition,” said Rep. John D. Dingell (D-MI), Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. “The DTV transition is one of the most important communications matters facing our nation today, and its success is critical not only for the broadcast industry, but also for public safety. I also applaud Chairman Martin for giving broadcasters some flexibility to determine how best to educate their viewers about the transition. I look forward to the implementation of the Commission’s directive and to working to ensure that all consumers are fully aware of what the transition means for them.”

“Too many Americans remain unaware of the fact that television signals are going exclusively digital in just a year,” said Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet. “The digital transition promises to bring more television programming with better picture and sound quality, but if consumers aren’t ready for it, these benefits will be sidelined by the outcry when analog televisions go dark. I commend the FCC for taking action now and implementing this consumer education and outreach plan.”

At midnight on February 17, 2009, analog television sets not connected to a converter box, cable or satellite will stop working because they will be unable to receive full-power broadcasters’ digital signals. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has estimated that as many as 80 million households could be affected by the transition.

On May 25, 2007, Chairmen Dingell and Markey urged Kevin Martin, Chairman of the FCC, to develop a comprehensive consumer education program.

Read the letter and Chairman Martin's response »

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

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