WASHINGTON, DC – Last week, the FCC released the text of several actions for post digital TV transition obligations of cable operators and new obligations for consumer electronics retailers.
The following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO David K. Rehr:
"The FCC proposal is welcome news to the estimated 32 million analog cable households who after February 17, 2009 could lose access to the rich tapestry of diverse programming offered by local broadcasters, particularly religious and foreign-language stations.
"Broadcasters have collectively spent billions of dollars to upgrade our equipment to meet the government-mandated digital television deadline. The FCC proposal serves notice to our friends in the cable community that they should continue to invest toward their own all-digital future and not discriminate against smaller, niche broadcasters.
"The FCC further recognizes the importance of accurate retail labeling of soon-to-be-obsolete analog TV sets so that consumers can make an educated purchase when shopping for a new TV. We encourage the White House Office of Management and Budget to expeditiously approve the FCC action prior to the FCC's May 25 deadline.
"Finally, we look forward to a rapid release of the FCC's third periodic DTV review so that broadcasters and our industry partners may prepare for the final chapter in a seamless transition from analog to digital broadcasting."
About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is a trade association that advocates on behalf of more than 8,300 free, local radio and television stations and also broadcast networks before Congress, the Federal Communications Commission and the Courts. Information about NAB can be found at www.nab.org.
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