United States Senate Committee on
Commerce, Science & Transportation
Home | Graphics On | Site Map | Text Size: A A A Search : + Advanced Search
 
Press Releases
For Immediate Release
05/20/08
Contact: Rob Blumenthal w/Inouye 202-224-8374
Jenilee Keefe w/Inouye 202-224-7824
Email This
Print This
Inouye Statement on Release of GAO DTV Report
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) issued the following statement today upon the release of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) report “Digital Television Transition: Majority of Broadcasters Are Prepared for the DTV Transition, but Some Technical and Coordination Issues Remain.”
 
“While I welcome the GAO report’s overall findings that a majority of stations are reasonably well prepared for the coming DTV transition, I believe that a closer examination of the report’s statistics reveal that there remain a number of hurdles for industry to overcome.
 
“In particular, due to the nature of the transition process as mandated by the FCC, a number of stations presently simulcasting in digital will need to make channel changes to ensure continued digital broadcasting post-transition. This suggests that there is the potential for significant technical issues as the hard deadline is reached.  For example, some stations may need to significantly reduce or even stop analog broadcasts in advance of February 17, 2009.  Such early termination may confuse consumers and leave them scrambling for converter boxes before the end of the transition.  The FCC will need to work very closely with broadcasters to ensure consumers are educated about how the decisions of their local broadcasters will impact them.
 
“Finally, I would note my ongoing and deep concern that while industry is, at a minimum, fully informed of the upcoming transition and aware of the potential pitfalls, the same cannot be said for consumers. Far too many Americans are unaware of or unprepared for February 17, 2009.  As this report demonstrates, there is no one-size fits all message that will adequately educate consumers.  It is imperative that all stakeholders in the DTV transition, both public and private, work together to ensure that local communities are fully informed and prepared for the transition, and that no consumer is left in the dark.”
 
###
 
« Previous Press Release Press Releases Next Press Release »
 
May 2008 Press Releases  « April | June »   « 2007 | 2009 » 
 
30th -  George Soros among Witnesses to Testify at Energy Market Manipulation Hearing
 
23rd -  Commerce Committee to Examine Energy Market Manipulation
 
23rd -  Senate Passes Stevens Legislation (S.1965) to Protect Children Online
 
22nd -  Commerce Committee Announces NTSB Reauthorization Hearing
 
22nd -  Automotive Safety Subcommittee to Examine Passenger Vehicle Roof Strength
 
21st -  Congress Approves Stevens Resolution to Protect Arctic Fisheries
 
21st -  Oceans Subcommittee Announces Seattle Field Hearing on Climate Change Effects on Washington State
 
20th -  current Press Release
 
19th -  Senator Stevens and Alaska Broadcasters Association To Host DTV Workshop in Anchorage on May 29th
 
16th -  Commerce Committee Weekly Roundup for May 12 - 16 2008
 
16th -  Inouye-Stevens Provision to Help Educate Consumers on DTV Transition and Converter Box Program Passes Appropriations Committee
 
15th -  Inouye Voices Support for Joint Resolution Disapproving FCC Rule Relaxing Media Cross-Ownership
 
15th -  Commerce Committee Approves Legislation Cosponsored by Senator Stevens to Reauthorize the Maritime Administration
 
15th -  Commerce Committee Passes Marine Mammal Rescue Amendment Cosponsored by Senator Stevens
 
15th -  Commerce Committee Unanimously Approves Markup Agenda Items
 
13th -  Inouye Calls for Rapid and Effective Implementation of 9/11 Act
 
13th -  Stevens Urges TSA to Reexamine Proposed Temporary Security Fees
 
12th -  CSPC, FDA among Witnesses to Testify at Commerce Hearing on Plastics Additives
 
9th -  Commerce Committee Announces Witnesses for TSA Budget Oversight Hearing
 
9th -  Commerce Committee Weekly Roundup for May 5 - 9, 2008
 
8th -  Senate Commerce Committee Announces May 15 Markup Agenda
 
8th -  Consumer Affairs Subcommittee to Examine Use of Plastic Additives in Consumer Products
 
7th -  Stevens Urges Congress to Move Forward on FAA Reauthorization
 
6th -  Stevens Pushes NOAA to Address IUU Fishing on the High Seas
 
6th -  Inouye Urges Senate to Move Forward with FAA Reauthorization
 
5th -  Commerce Committee Announces Witnesses for Aviation Hearing
 
5th -  Commerce Committee Announces Witnesses for NOAA Oversight Hearing
 
5th -  Commerce Committee Announces Witnesses for NASA Reauthorization Hearing
 
5th -  Commerce Committee Announces TSA Budget Oversight Hearing
 
5th -  Commerce Committee Announces Witnesses for Hearing on Improving Climate Change Modeling
 
1st -  Commerce Committee Announces NOAA Oversight Hearing
Public Information Office: 508 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg • Washington, DC 20510-6125
Tel: 202-224-5115
Hearing Room: 253 Russell Senate Office Bldg • Washington, DC 20510-6125
Home | Privacy Policy | Graphics On | Site Map | Help/Faqs | Search
Back to TopBack to Top