The National Association of Broadcasters announced that legislation dealing with the issue of public educational efforts related to the impending digital transition has been introduced in the House of Representatives.
The hard date for analog shutoff is February 18, 2009, after which all broadcasts will be digital. There are fears that the consumer market will not be fully ready for it, and the bill is aimed at educating American television viewers on the subject. The NAB recently assembled a Digital Television Transition Team to work with Congress, the FCC, the NTIA, industry groups and consumer groups on the effort.
The bill was offered by Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas), ranking minority member of the House Commerce Committee, along with Reps. Fred Upton (R-Mich.), ranking minority member of the House Telecommunications Subcommittee, and former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.), who serves on the House Commerce Committee.
“NAB thanks Ranking Members Barton and Upton and Rep. Hastert for offering legislation aimed at educating America's television viewers about the ongoing digital transition. As we draw nearer to February 2009, we welcome all pro-consumer initiatives designed to positively educate America on the transition from analog to digital television," said Dennis Wharton, NAB executive vice president, media relations.
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