NAB Pledges to Help Americans Prepare for New Digital TV Transition Date

February 4, 2009

WASHINGTON, DC — The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) today welcomed the House passage of legislation that will extend the deadline for the historic transition to digital television (DTV) to June 12. The U.S. Senate unanimously approved last week its version of the "DTV Delay" bill, which is expected to be signed into law by the president in the coming days.

"The legislation passed by Congress provides more time for Americans to prepare for the DTV transition and will allow more time for the government to fix the coupon program. We appreciate members of Congress for their leadership and swift action in ensuring viewers get continued access to free, over-the-air television," said NAB President and CEO David Rehr. "America's broadcasters, which have spent the past decade preparing for this historic transition, are ready to make a successful switch."

Last week, NAB issued a statement in support of an extension, which continues to provide stations the flexibility to transition ahead of the June 12 deadline, consistent with Federal Communications Commission rules.

NAB will continue leading the broadcast industry's unparalleled billion-dollar campaign to educate consumers about the DTV transition. "Broadcasters remain deeply committed to helping viewers get their televisions digital-ready in time," said Rehr.

To help television stations educate their viewers on the new transition date, NAB is providing new television spots and resources that promote the June 12 deadline. NAB will work with stations to coordinate additional analog shut-off tests to raise awareness and help consumers prepare for the DTV transition. More than 1,000 full-power stations in over 200 television markets have already conducted DTV consumer readiness tests, which have proven effective in helping consumers prepare their homes for all-digital television broadcasting.