WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Senate Appropriations Committee yesterday approved a provision sponsored by Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) and Committee Vice Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) to assist education efforts surrounding the digital television transition (DTV) scheduled to occur on February 17, 2009.  The provision was made part of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill.

“This provision will help educate residents of rural and remote areas about the upcoming DTV transition and converter box program,” said Senator Stevens. “Many Alaskans depend on over-the-air broadcasts, and we must ensure that they are prepared for this transition next year.”

The provision enables the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to spend previously allocated funds on education programs that focus on outreach to residents of rural and remote areas, the elderly, and minority groups on the DTV transition and the analog-to-digital converter box program.

“Television in rural Alaska is not only for entertainment, it also provides distance learning and important public safety announcements,” Senator Stevens said. “It is critical that residents of rural areas are educated about preparing for the transition.”

# # #