WASHINGTON, DC -- NAB President and CEO David K. Rehr sent a letter to President George W. Bush today urging final approval of DTV legislation recently approved by U.S. Congress.
"The DTV transition remains a top priority of NAB; local television stations across the country have contributed over $1 billion to educate Americans of the impending switch," wrote Rehr. "This legislation will allow television stations to continue the broadcast of analog signals with educational messages and emergency information where technically feasible for 30 days after the transition date, and will go a long way in our continued efforts to educate every American who receives highly valued over-the-air programming."
Rehr's entire letter can be read here in PDF format.
Last night, House members approved legislation granting stations the ability to voluntarily broadcast in analog format a digital TV informational message or emergency information in the days following the DTV transition on February 17, 2009.
The legislation, approved by unanimous consent, is identical to Senate legislation (S. 3663) introduced by Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) and approved by the Senate last month. The House effort was led by Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA).
Specifically, the legislation directs the FCC to develop and implement a program by January 15th to encourage and permit, where technically feasible, the continued broadcasting of analog signals with DTV education information and emergency messaging after the February 17, 2009 transition date. The program will be in effect for a 30-day period beginning February 18, 2009.
In October, the NAB Television Board of Directors unanimously adopted a resolution to support the legislation.
About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. As the voice of more than 8,300 radio and television stations, NAB advances their interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.