First Wave of America's Switch to Digital TV Goes Smoothly

February 19, 2009

WASHINGTON, DC — National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Vice President for Digital Television Transition Jonathan Collegio issued the following statement regarding Tuesday's historic switch to digital television by 421 stations nationwide.

"Early reports indicate the DTV transition by 421 stations on Tuesday was successful, which is good news for both viewers and TV stations. According to the FCC and stations that made the switch, the volume of viewer calls received following the transition paled in comparison to the 12.4 million over-the-air only households that were in affected markets.

The smooth transition thus far proves that the tireless efforts of America's broadcasters to prepare their viewers have paid off tremendously. Millions of Americans are now enjoying the benefits of free digital television, and broadcasters continue to be committed to helping viewers in markets that will switch on June 12. The information gleaned from stations that have already gone digital will help prepare the remaining viewers, as broadcasters nationwide complete America's historic transition to all-digital broadcasting."