[opendtv] Over one third of US TV stations go digital
- From: "Manfredi, Albert E" <albert.e.manfredi@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2009 10:44:07 -0500
In truth, 100 percent have "gone digital" for years now. The subject
line should read "Over one third have ceased analog broadcasting."
Bert
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http://www.dtg.org.uk/news/news.php?class=countries&subclass=0&id=3277
Over one third of US TV stations go digital
36% of television stations in the US terminated analogue broadcasts by
17 February according to communications regulator the FCC.
A total of 641 stations out of 1,800 had made the transition by the end
of 17 February, the original date for the US transition to digital
television.
About 220 stations made the transition before that date including those
in the Wilmington, N.C. area, which made the transition on 8 September
2008, and Hawaii, which made the transition on 15 January 2009.
Earlier this month Congress delayed the deadline for termination of
analogue signals to 12 June following concerns that the public were not
prepared for switchover. However, Congress also directed the FCC to
allow broadcasters the flexibility to make the transition early,
including on the original 17 February date.
The FCC has dispatched staff to 72 areas across the US where the impact
is expected to be the greatest.
"This is not just about whether people can watch their favourite reality
show," said Acting FCC Chairman Michael Copps. "It's about whether
consumers have access to vital emergency alerts, weather, news and
public affairs."
In areas that have gone digital, the FCC is providing those that are
unprepared for the switch with access to critical local news and
emergency information. In each market without analogue services, the FCC
has tried to ensure that at least one affiliate of the four major
networks-ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC-would continue broadcasting in analogue
after 17 February.
DTG Staff 19.02.2009
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