TV Group Urges Bush, Cheney To Talk About Digital Switch

By Mark Raby, published on May 9, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Source: Tom's Guide | Keywords: , | Themes: Digital Entertainment
Syndication: Add to your Google homepage Add to My Yahoo!

Washington (DC) - The National Association of Broadcasters, which has voice numerous concerns about people not being informed of next year’s digital TV switch, is now calling on George W. Bush to help inform citizens.

The organization’s CEO David Rehr has sent a letter to the White House, highlighting the fact that the digital TV switch is less than 300 days away.

On February 17, 2009, the government will pull the plug on all analog TV signals. This means anyone with an old TV and is still relying on antenna reception will be unable to watch anything.

Anyone with cable or satellite is already covered for the switch, but all others need a digital converter box. Consumers can apply for a coupon from the government that is good for $40 off a converter, which cost between $50 and $70.

Rehr said that millions of Americans will be affected and are still not aware of the looming change. "We are respectfully requesting your assistance in informing American households about the transition," he wrote in his letter to the president.

One suggestion Rehr reportedly made was that Bush and/or Vice President Dick Cheney appear in a TV ad informing citizens about what will happen next February.

"The DTV transition will fundamentally change the way the American people get news about their communities, emergency situations and entertainment. We want to enlist the help of the federal government and the Administration to ensure that happens as seamlessly as possible," said Rehr in the letter.

According to a report from the FCC, over one million digital TV converter coupons have already been redeemed, but several million more will need a converter because they are still using analog TVs with no digital service.

Comments | Print | Send to a friend
Slideshows related to this news

Sponsored links

Comments

Luscious 05/10/2008 12:45 PM
Hide
-0+

So I guess Feb 17 2009 is the day when all hell breaks loose - TV goes dead, mad rush on the roads to electronics stores, news outlets try to reassure viewers that aliens have not invaded the country...

Some lucky SOB is gonna make money out of it for sure.

Anonymous 05/11/2008 11:59 AM
Hide
-0+

Where are the coupons? I know a number of people who applied for them and still haven't gotten them. My parents are giving up and buying a new tv with a built in tuner.

Comments are closed on this page.

Sponsored links