WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, released the following statement submitted today during a Senate Commerce Committee hearing on the digital television transition (DTV) scheduled for February 17, 2009.

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding this important hearing.  One of the most important steps this Committee took last year, on a bipartisan basis, was to set a hard date for the digital television transition.  This transition will reap important benefits for all Americans, but especially with respect to public safety because they will receive much needed spectrum.  Additionally, the auction will fund vital programs like the $1 billion for interoperability grants, $1.5 billion for the convertor box program, more than $7.3 billion for deficit reduction and $43.5 million for E-911.

“As such, Congress cannot afford to let the transition delay or fail. I am concerned that some of the proposals currently coming out of the FCC regarding the auction may threaten the overall value and affect the American taxpayer by potentially costing them billions of dollars.

“With respect to the TV side of the transition, I am pleased by the progress made to date.  We all know that some elements will require special attention. I look forward to hearing from our witnesses as to how the transition will address rural areas of the country, like Alaska.  We have our fair share of residents in Alaska who rely solely on broadcast TV for their news and entertainment.  I am also concerned that no demographic is overlooked as the transition moves forward.  Thank you, Mr. Chairman.”