DTV Deadline Extension Proposed

Bills are circulating on Capitol Hill to keep analog transmitters running after the Feb. 17, 2009 DTV transition deadline, according to Broadcasting & Cable’s John Eggerton. The extension would allow broadcasters to transmit information about the transition, as well as keep the signals alive for emergency alert situations. Primary signals would be transitioned to digital transmission formats as planned. The House version creates a two-week window; the Senate version, 30 days. Neither bill requires broadcasters to continue transmitting analog signals, but the Senate bill would require them to have a potential extension plan in place by mid-January, Eggerton said. No action is expected on the bills before the Nov. 4 election.