Press Release: Commerce’s NTIA Announces Agenda for Digital Television Public Meeting and Expo, Sept. 25

Full-Power TV Stations to Cease Analog Broadcasts, Switch to Digital after Feb. 17, 2009

For Immediate Release: Sept. 10, 2007
Media Contact:  Todd Sedmak, (202) 482-7002 or tsedmak@ntia.doc.gov

En español

WASHINGTON--The Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced the agenda for the Digital Television Transition Public Meeting and Expo, which will be held Tuesday, Sept. 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Commerce Department, 1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W. 

“The public should not be caught by surprise by the digital television transition on February 17, 2009, which is nearly 500 days away,” said John Kneuer, NTIA Administrator and Assistant Secretary of Communication and Information.  “This meeting is one example of leaders in government, industry and advocacy groups working together to educate consumers on the transition to digital TV.”
 
The Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 requires full-power television stations to cease analog broadcasts and switch to digital after February 17, 2009.  The Act also authorizes NTIA to create the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program.  Digital television provides consumers with a clearer picture, more programming and frees up much needed spectrum for advanced wireless broadband services and interoperable communications among emergency first responders.

By February 17, 2009, consumers receiving their programming “over the air” will need to make one of three choices about how to watch TV after that date:  (1) purchase a digital converter for their existing TV; (2) subscribe to and check with their cable or satellite providers; or (3) purchase a new television with a digital tuner.  The expo will provide the public an opportunity to examine each of these options. 

The Digital Television Transition Public Meeting and Expo’s agenda, speakers and expo participants are attached. The public may listen to the meeting online at www.ntia.doc.gov starting at 9:30 a.m.

The meeting will be physically accessible to people with disabilities.  Individuals requiring special services, such as sign language interpretation or other ancillary aids, are asked to indicate this to Kathie Klass at (202) 482-4728 at least two (2) days prior to the meeting.  The media and the public should enter the 14th Street entrance of the U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C.

For more information about the digital transition, go to www.dtv.gov, and to read more about the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program, go to www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon. 

Complete Agenda with Expo Exhibiters (Acrobat PDF 169 Kb)