Summary
The Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 requires all full-power television stations to cease analog broadcasting by February 17, 2009. Following this digital television transition, consumers who receive over-the-air television signals on analog sets will need to take action to be able to view digital broadcasts. The act also requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to create a program that subsidizes consumers' purchases of digital-to-analog converter boxes. This requested report examines progress made (1) by federal entities and others in facilitating the transition, (2) in educating consumers on the transition, and (3) in implementing the converter box subsidy program. GAO reviewed legal, agency, and industry documents; interviewed public, private, and other stakeholders; and convened an expert panel focused on consumer outreach.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and NTIA, in conjunction with other stakeholders, have taken actions to facilitate the digital television (DTV) transition. FCC has primary responsibility to regulate the broadcast television industry and, as such, has set deadlines for broadcasters to upgrade station equipment and conducted periodic reviews related to the transition. NTIA has issued a contract for services related to its converter box subsidy program. Industry stakeholders, including broadcasters, have begun to prepare for the transition. Despite these efforts, GAO found no comprehensive plan or strategy to measure progress and results. Such planning includes managing and mitigating risks, which can help organizations identify potential problems before they occur and target limited resources. GAO has reported on the benefits of risk management in helping organizations involved in high stakes efforts similar to the DTV transition. FCC, NTIA, industry, and other private sector stakeholders have made progress in educating consumers about the DTV transition, but these efforts are mostly in the planning phase, and challenges remain. Both FCC and NTIA have developed informational materials on the transition and begun reaching out to consumer and stakeholder groups. Private sector stakeholders are leading consumer outreach efforts on a voluntary basis. This includes developing a coalition of over 160 business, trade, and other organizations committed to providing consumers with information about the transition; planning public service announcements; developing Web sites; and encouraging media coverage. An expert panel GAO convened identified key practices for consumer education planning, including coordinating among stakeholders, constructing consistent messages, researching target audiences, and establishing metrics to measure success. The expert panel also noted that potential challenges for consumer outreach include prioritizing limited resources, educating consumers who do not necessarily need to take action, and reaching underserved populations. It remains unclear whether public-private sector interaction can ensure a consistent message to prevent consumer confusion. NTIA has made progress in implementing a subsidy program for converter boxes, but the program faces challenges. The current program allows households to request up to two $40 coupons toward the purchase of eligible converter boxes. While the program's outcome depends on the ability of NTIA and its contractor to encourage and coordinate the voluntary participation of retailers and manufacturers, NTIA remains ultimately responsible for the program. There is also uncertainty regarding retailer readiness and participation in the program, as well as potential challenges related to inventory planning. If retailers' participation is limited or delayed, consumers might face difficulties in redeeming their coupons for converter boxes, without which some might lose access to television programming.
Recommendations
Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change
from "In process" to "Implemented" or "Not implemented" based on our follow up work.
Director:
Team:
Phone:
Mark L. Goldstein
Government Accountability Office: Physical Infrastructure
No phone on record
Recommendations for Executive Action
Recommendation: To help facilitate the digital television (DTV) transition through comprehensive planning and risk management, in consultation with public and private stakeholders, the Chairman, Federal Communications Commission, should develop and communicate a comprehensive plan for the various aspects of the DTV transition, encompassing technical, policy, consumer outreach, and other critical elements. The plan should include (1) detailed goals, milestones, and time frames that can be used to gauge performance and progress, identify gaps, and determine areas for improvement; (2) strategies for collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders to agree on roles and responsibilities; (3) a description of reporting requirements to track stakeholder efforts against planned goals; and (4) strategies for managing and mitigating risks to avoid potential problems and target federal resources.
Agency Affected: Federal Communications Commission
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
