Our nation relies on television for news, information, and entertainment.  Yet with February 17, 2009, only ten months away, too many Americans remain in the dark about what the digital television transition (DTV) means. 

Nothing makes this point clearer than a recent Consumers Union survey which found that 74 percent of consumers who know about the DTV transition have major misconceptions about what it means to them. 

The same survey found that a staggering 73 percent are unaware of the government program created to offset the cost of purchasing converter boxes.  I find these numbers very troubling. 

The FCC and the NTIA have been charged with ensuring that the DTV transition proceeds smoothly.  The stakes are high, and it is imperative that these two agencies make the success of this transition their number one priority.

I realize there are a number of important challenges facing the FCC including the question of how to proceed with the auction of D Block.  I have deep reservations about the FCC spending its limited time and resources in media areas unrelated to the transition.  Meanwhile, the NTIA is challenged by the Administration’s push for a third leadership change at the agency within the past year.  I urge both agencies to keep an eye on what is most pressing, and to proceed cautiously when you choose to spend time on what is not. 

To ensure that you focus on the task at hand, I ask that both the FCC and the NTIA provide the members of this Committee with a monthly status report regarding the status of the DTV transition, highlighting your accomplishments as well as your continuing challenges.  I request that you work with our staff to coordinate the details.