DORGAN BILL TO EASE DIGITAL TV TRANSITION PASSES BOTH CHAMBERS OF CONGRESS
Bill now headed to the President's desk to be signed into law
Friday, December 12, 2008
CONTACT: Justin Kitsch
or Brenden Timpe
PHONE: 202-224-2551
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) --- A bill cosponsored by U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) to ease the Digital TV transition has cleared both chambers of Congress and is headed to the President’s desk. The bill ensures that North Dakotans with analog televisions will still receive emergency public safety information as well as information about the Digital TV transition for 30 days after the transition on February 17, 2009.
Dorgan joined with Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-W.V.) in introducing The Short-Term Analog Flash and Emergency Readiness (SAFER) Act because of concerns over how the Digital TV transition is being implemented.
Television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting on analog airwaves and begin broadcasting only in digital on February 17, 2009. With the passage of the bill, Dorgan says people who have only analog tuners will still be able to receive emergency information and information about the transition for a period of time after February 17.
“The digital transition is fast approaching, and I am concerned that the FCC has not done a sufficient job in preparing the nation for the switch to digital broadcasting,” said Dorgan. “This bill will allow broadcasters to air information about the transition and emergency alerts to those with analog tuners for an additional 30 days, which is safer for everyone and will provide added information about what to do if your TV doesn’t work on February 17.”
In preparation for the Digital TV transition, Dorgan also urged North Dakotans to check now to see if they will be affected.
“I urge everyone in North Dakota to check their TVs now to find out if you need a converter box, and if so, buy one and test it before February,” said Dorgan. “However, for those who are in the dark about the transition, this bill will provide a cushion to make sure that everyone is informed on how to get a converter box and access broadcast television.”
Through March 31, 2009, each household will be able to request up to two $40 coupons to be used for the purchase of converter boxes. More information on the coupons can be found at www.dtv2009.gov.
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