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For Immediate Release
10/16/07
Contact: |
Jenilee Keefe w/Inouye 202-224-7824
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Inouye Op-ed: The Digital Revolution Must Be Televised Nationwide
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The Hill Special Report: Telecom - A revolution is coming to television sets across this country. On February 17, 2009–less than 500 days away–television broadcasters will switch from analog to digital signals. For viewers, this change holds tremendous promise. By migrating to digital, they can enjoy dramatically sharper pictures and crisper sound. Broadcasters now offering a single channel of analog programming will be able to develop multiple digital channels, with more regional news, weather, children’s fare, and content for non-English speakers. On top of this, the switch to digital means more efficient use of our airwaves, opening up more spectrum for our nation’s first responders.
The rewards of a successful digital television (DTV) transition are enormous. Like in any revolution, however, these rewards come with an undercurrent of risk. As many as 21 million households rely exclusively on over-the-air television. These households risk seeing their sets go dark. So do millions more that have one or more analog sets that are not connected to either cable or satellite service. Yet a recent poll from the National Association of Broadcasters suggests that only 1 in 10 Americans know when the digital transition is coming.
To ensure success, we must draw up a battle plan. At the federal level, this responsibility falls principally on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
The FCC is charged with managing the airwaves used by our nation’s broadcasters. It must act decisively to ensure that broadcasters are fully prepared for the switch. It also must ensure that consumers are not only generally informed about the DTV transition, but also are given information tailored to advise them about changes occurring in the communities where they live.
The NTIA is in charge of the government program that, beginning January 1, 2008, will allow consumers to request up to two $40 coupons per household to defray the cost of digital-to-analog converter boxes. These boxes make it possible for consumers who rely on over-the-air service to continue to receive television broadcasts. Without them, their sets could cease to work. But with three months to go, the NTIA program is plagued by uncertainties. It is not clear which boxes have been certified and which retailers will stock them on their shelves.
Getting these boxes in the hands of consumers is a challenge. Getting the word out is even more daunting. Yet to date, efforts on the outreach front have been patchy. The FCC is in the early stages of reaching out to at-risk populations. The NTIA has $5 million to spend on consumer outreach, but its efforts have barely begun. Making a complicated situation even more difficult, the General Accountability Office (GAO) has suggested the absence of federal action is raising questions about who has ultimate authority for the switch. In the ominous words of a recent GAO witness: “It’s pretty clear to us that there is no one in charge.”
The time has come to manage the mechanics of the transition with the American public in mind. First, to get this done right, the Administration should establish a federal, interagency DTV Task Force, co-chaired by leadership at the FCC and NTIA. The DTV Task Force would determine how best to marshal existing resources across the federal government and advise Congress as to what additional measures may be necessary to ensure a smooth transition. A similar structure was used successfully to coordinate federal action in addressing the Y2K problem.
Second, as we develop this national effort, it is imperative that we match our work with local needs and strategies. National messages will only take us so far. What works in Houston may not work in Honolulu. Questions about the impact of broadcast tower construction, the presence of translator stations, and the need for antennas will require local answers. We need the equivalent of DTV “block captains” ready, willing, and able in every media market in this country.
Finally, we must enhance transparency and accountability for the digital transition. Indeed, success will require that we regularly measure data in each television market. As part of this assessment, the DTV Task Force should consider ways of collecting and reporting granular data that will validate successful strategies and provide early warning when we are at risk of running off the rails.
The countdown to February 17, 2009 is on. For the revolution to yield benefits for viewers across the country, the time to act is now.
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30th - |
Inouye Coral Reef Conservation Bill Approved by Senate Commerce Committee
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Looking to stem the threats to our nation’s coral reefs, the Senate Commerce Committee today unanimously approved S. 1580, the Coral Reef Conservation Amendments Act of 2007, which reauthorizes and strengthens the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 and further improves research and management of our nation’s corals.
“The preservation of our coral re...
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30th - |
Inouye Praises Senate Approval of Amtrak Bill
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement upon full Senate passage of S. 294, the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2007:
“I fully support S. 294, a bill that will finally reauthorize Amtrak and make important changes to secure a prosperous future for...
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30th - |
Congress Extends Internet Tax Ban for 7 Years
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House of Representatives today joined the United States Senate in approving an extension of the Internet tax moratorium for seven years. The moratorium to protect consumers was established as part of the Internet Tax Freedom Act in 1998. Congress has twice extended the moratorium to prohibit these taxes on consumer Internet access. The Act prevents states and locali...
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26th - |
Op-Ed -- Congress must keep Internet access tax-free
- Its imperative that Congress keep Internet access tax-free
COMPASS: POINTS OF VIEW FROM THE COMMUNITY
By SEN. TED STEVENS
(Published: October 26, 2007)
The Internet has provided a powerful economic boost to our nation, especially in rural areas. It has become an important everyday tool for millions of Americans, a valuable educational and medical resource, and an essentia...
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23rd - |
Commerce Committee Announces Witnesses for Hearing on Sweatshop Conditions in Chinese Toy Industry
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announced today the witnesses scheduled to appear before an Interstate Commerce, Trade, and Tourism Subcommittee hearing on Sweatshop Conditions in the Chinese Toy Industry. The witnesses are listed below.
At this hearing, the subcommittee will examine sweatshop conditions in Chinese factories where toys and...
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19th - |
Commerce Committee to Examine STB’s Commercial Regulation of Railroads
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security Subcommittee Oversight Hearing on the Surface Transportation Board and Regulation Related to Railroads.
This hearing will examine the Surface Transportation Board’s (STB) recent and ongoing efforts related to t...
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18th - |
Commerce Subcommittee to Examine Sweatshop Conditions in Chinese Toy Industry
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announced today an Interstate Commerce, Trade, and Tourism Subcommittee hearing on Sweatshop Conditions in the Chinese Toy Industry.
At this hearing, the subcommittee will examine sweatshop conditions in Chinese factories where toys and other children’s products are manufactured.
Sweatshop Condit...
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18th - |
Inouye Calls for Modernization of U.S. Transportation System, Improved Safety Standards
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement today at an Oversight Hearing on the U.S. Department of Transportation:
“Transportation fuels our economy and improves the quality of our lives. It permits industry to move goods and people to travel both across our natio...
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16th - |
DOT Secretary, IG to Testify Before Senate Commerce Committee
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announced today that the Honorable Mary E. Peters, Secretary of Transportation for the U.S. Department of Transportation and Mr. Calvin L. Scovel III, Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Transportation will testify at a Full Committee Oversight Hearing on the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The ...
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16th - |
Senate Commerce Announces Witnesses for Science Parks Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation released a witness list today for a Science, Technology, and Innovation Subcommittee hearing on Science Parks: Bolstering U.S. Competitiveness. The witnesses are listed below.
At this hearing, the Committee will explore the effects science parks can have on innovation and competitiveness including encouragi...
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16th - |
current Press Release |
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15th - |
Commerce Committee to Examine the Future of Radio
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a Full Committee hearing on the Future of Radio.
At this hearing, Committee Members will assess the state of innovation and competition in the radio market.
The Future of Radio
Full Committee
Date: Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Room 253, Russell Senate Office B...
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15th - |
Witnesses Announced for TSA Oversight Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announced today the witnesses for a Full Committee Oversight Hearing on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) – Examining the TSA’s Efforts and Progress on H.R. 1, “Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007.” The witnesses are listed below.
The Commer...
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12th - |
Senate Commerce to Hear from State Gov., Industry, Consumer Advocates on Consumer Wireless Issues
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announced today the witnesses scheduled to attend a Full Committee hearing on Consumer Wireless Issues. The witnesses are listed below.
At this hearing, the Committee will hear testimony regarding consumer practices of the wireless industry.
Consumer Wireless Issues
Full Committee
Date: Wednesday, Oc...
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12th - |
FCC’s Adelstein, NTIA’s Kneuer Join Industry Reps to Testify Before Senate Commerce Committee
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation released today the witness list for the Full Committee hearing on The Digital Television Transition: Government and Industry Perspectives. The witnesses are listed below.
At this hearing, the Committee will explore the status of the digital television transition including consumer education efforts, the op...
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3rd - |
Commerce Committee to Examine TSA Efforts to Meet 9/11 Recommendations
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a Full Committee Oversight Hearing on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) – Examining the TSA’s Efforts and Progress on H.R. 1, “Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007.”
The Commerce Committee will review the efforts of the Transportatio...
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3rd - |
DOT Oversight Focus of Upcoming Commerce Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a Full Committee Oversight Hearing on the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The hearing will provide general oversight on current regulatory and programmatic activities at the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Commerce Committee has general oversight jurisdiction over the entire Department an...
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3rd - |
Commerce Committee to Evaluate Consumer Wireless Issues
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a Full Committee hearing on Consumer Wireless Issues.
At this hearing, the Committee will hear testimony regarding consumer practices of the wireless industry.
Consumer Wireless Issues
Full Committee
Date: Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Room 253, Russell Senate O...
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3rd - |
Commerce Committee Announces Witnesses for Port Security Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announced today the witnesses for a hearing on the Security of Our Nation’s Seaports. The witnesses are listed below.
The hearing will review the Department of Homeland Securitys implementation and administration of several port and cargo security programs authorized in the SAFE Port Act, the Maritime...
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2nd - |
CPSC Commissioners, Consumer Advocates among Witnesses to Address Senate Panel
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Consumer Affairs, Insurance, and Automotive Safety Subcommittee announced today the witnesses for its legislative hearing on S. 2045, the Consumer Product Safety Commission Reform Act of 2007. The witnesses are listed below.
At this hearing, the Committee will explore the state of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, examine reforms that are necessary to make th...
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