| WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and Representatives Marion Berry (AR-01), Vic Snyder (AR-02), and John Boozman (AR-03) announced today that that the U. S. Department of Agriculture has awarded $599,628 under the Rural Development Grant Program to upgrade the KEMV transmitter, which serves north central Arkansas.
The transmitter upgrade will provide a high quality digital broadcast signal and fully replicate the existing analog coverage area. Also, the grant will finance a generator for emergency backup power for the transmitter.
In accordance with the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005, full power broadcasters must switch off any analog signal by midnight on February 17, 2009, and transmit only digital signals over the air. Freeing up analog use of bandwidth will not only mean better pictures and sound for television viewers but also greatly enhanced communications capacity for our nation’s first responders.
“Public television is an important resource for information about issues in Arkansas, nationally, and across the globe,” said Lincoln. “This funding will help public television continue to broadcast to residents in north central Arkansas during the required switch to digital broadcasting. To help lessen the burden for consumers making the transition, I have also introduced legislation that would temporarily waive fees assigned to DTV converter boxes, which will be required to retain access to television signals.”
“Public broadcasting is an important source of news and entertainment for many Arkansans, and these funds will ensure KEMV can continue to serve its community,” Pryor said. “With only 5 months remaining until the digital transition, I would urge families to prepare for this change by contacting my office or the Federal Communications Commission.”
"Local news productions are an essential way to communicate to viewers about events happening in our own communities," said Berry. "In addition, in emergency situations, it has the capability to save lives. This grant will help our local stations convert to this new technology and provide better, more up-to-date coverage for Arkansans."
“This grant is critical to ensure the required transfer to digital broadcasting goes smoothly for the residents in north central Arkansas,” said Snyder. “With the KEMV upgraded transmitter, Arkansas viewers will receive a better television experience and the public will benefit with more signals for public communications and first responders.”
“This funding is vital for the transition to digital television that we all have to make,” Boozman said. “The proactive approach to securing funds to upgrade the KEMV transmitter allows Arkansans to continue watching programming important in the Natural State.”
USDA Rural Development grants support public facilities and services, promote economic development, and offer technical assistance to help address the diverse and unique needs of rural communities.
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