Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for calling this hearing.

In August 2003, the state of Berlin, Germany completed its transition to digital broadcasting and successfully shut-down all broadcasting in the analog format. According to news reports at the time, Berlin was able to take this step without damaging its broadcasters and without leaving its residents unable to receive their television broadcast signals.

Shortly thereafter, Mr. Chairman, you, Mr. Tauzin, and I asked the GAO to take a close look at what happened in Berlin and to report back to this Committee on whether there are lessons for us on how to improve upon and, perhaps, expedite the transition here in the United States.

I have reviewed the GAO testimony. Though there are certainly substantial differences in the U.S. and German broadcast markets, there are also many similarities and much that we can learn from the Berlin experience.

First, our top priority must be to protect the consumer and ensure that our constituents are able to continue to receive free-over-the-air television. As in Germany, both government and industry must work in partnership to implement a major consumer education campaign. We must work together to ensure that America's television households are aware of the transition and what they must do to receive digital programming. Government cannot do this without the full participation of the private sector.

Second, we must work to ensure that all households have the financial means to acquire converter boxes or other equipment essential to receiving digital broadcast signals. If the transition results in stranding millions of American homes without the ability to receive their local broadcast signals, we will have failed miserably, and the voters will know who to blame.

Finally, the Berlin transition demonstrated that a firm deadline was essential to focus the attention of industry and consumers. The transition suggests we must at least consider the option of establishing a date-certain for the cessation of analog broadcast signals and the return of the analog spectrum. It is very possible only a hard deadline

will induce all parties, including consumers, to make final preparations for the digital conversion. Clearly, there are many questions that must be asked and answered before Congress makes a final decision to adopt such a hard deadline. The hearing today will put the issue squarely before us.

The GAO has done a fine job in researching the Berlin transition. I thank them for their effort, and I look forward to working with you, Mr. Chairman, as we consider legislation in this area.