Press Release: Gutierrez Praises National Association of Broadcasters' $697 Million Consumer Education Campaign for Digital Television

For Immediate Release: October 15, 2007
Contact: Rich Mills or Dan Nelson, 202-482-4883

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today issued the following statement on the National Association of Broadcaster's $697 million consumer education campaign to promote the digital television transition.

"The National Association of Broadcasters' $697 million campaign demonstrates that broadcasters nationwide will work to ensure that all households are aware of the February 17, 2009, transition, so that no consumer will lose television reception because of a lack of information.

“NAB’s consumer education efforts in English, Spanish and closed-captioning are an extraordinary commitment.  Combined with the more than 160 members of the Digital Television Coalition, this shows that industry and advocates are taking their responsibility seriously, and far exceeds what the government alone could accomplish.”

Consumer education efforts by industry, advocates and the government now totals more than $900 million. 

Background

The Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 requires full-power television stations to cease analog broadcasts and switch to digital after February 17, 2009. The Act also authorizes Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to create the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program. Digital television provides consumers with a clearer picture, more programming and frees up much needed spectrum for advanced wireless broadband services and interoperable communications among emergency first responders.

Between now and February 17, 2009, consumers receiving their programming "over the air" will need to either purchase a converter; subscribe to cable or satellite service; or purchase a television with a digital tuner to continue to watch TV after that date.

More information about the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program may be found at www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon.
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