DTV Student Outreach Guide to Implementation

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Welcome, Community Organizers!

On February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations will cease broadcasting in analog and begin transmitting in digital format.  All analog televisions that rely on free, over-the-air analog signals via "rabbit ears" and rooftop antennas will stop working.  Your student members can make a difference by educating people in the community about the transition and actions they can take to continue watching television programming.

Interested in getting your group involved? Here is how:

• Familiarize yourself with background information about the DTV transition here.
• Learn how to install a converter box by clicking here.
• Educate your student members about DTV and the plan you develop to inform your community. Provide them with these helpful tips to aid them as they spread the word.
• Choose one or more target audience(s) to educate and assist. This may include :
  • People in rural or tribal areas
  • Senior citizens
  • People with disabilities
  • Minorities
  • People who speak English as a second language
  • Low-income viewers
  • Family (especially grandparents) and friends

Spreading the Word:

• Determine what DTV materials would most benefit your community and audience.
  Print out materials here
• Many people will want to purchase a converter box for their analog television. The Federal government has a coupon program to help offset costs. Bring copies of the coupon application form to hand out to interested individuals.
• Student members should distribute flyers about DTV and converter box application forms at local public events or locations like:
  • Conventions
  • Concerts
  • Festivals
  • Local fairs
  • Sporting events
  • Churches
  • Nursing homes
  • Local businesses
  • Malls
    
  
  You can set up a table or booth, or have people hand out information.

Installing Converter Boxes

• Many people in your community may soon be purchasing converter boxes. One of the most important things your student members can do is help people they know install them.
• Your student members can also hold a converter box installation demonstration at a local mall, senior center or library.

More Ideas on How Your Group Can Help:

• Organize a recycling drive for discarded television sets to accommodate the anticipated increase in the number of such sets due to the DTV transition. For information about recycling televisions, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s DTV website.
• Make a public service announcement at a local sporting event or fair.
• Create a local hotline where people can call with questions about the DTV transition.
• Spread information to friends through social networks or clubs.

• Take an imaginative approach to developing your plan. You know your community better than we do, so be creative and feel free to use your own ideas. We are here to help!

Important Reminders:

• Contact any potential venues to obtain permission and space for your event
• Arrange for the involvement of the appropriate number of student members and remind them of their commitments.
• Maintain contact with the venue to facilitate future events, and see if they would like to distribute leftover materials.

Thanks for helping your community!

Share the details of your event here, so we can improve the project and promote ideas to other communities.