TV Worth Blogging
by David Thiel, Program Director for WILL-TV
An insider's view of public television programming and the issues that help determine what and how you watch
February 17 or Not February 17?
You've undoubtedly heard by now of the shutoff of analog television broadcasting scheduled to occur at midnight, February 17. However, you may also have heard of a potential delay in that date. Here's where things stand right now.
With less than four weeks to go until the planned analog TV shutoff on February 17, it is now looking likely that the move will be delayed until June 12. The change is prompted by a request from the Obama Administration in response to reports that the federal converter box coupon program has run out of money. Broadcasting & Cable magazine reports that nearly 1.5 million homes have been put on a waiting list until previously-issued coupons expire and free up the funds for new coupons to be issued. Meanwhile, a Nielsen survey estimates that 6.5 million homes are unready for the switch to digital-only TV broadcasting.
A delay, however, has implications for broadcasters, wireless providers and emergency responders. The latter two groups expected to receive abandoned analog spectrum beginning February 18, putting their plans on hold. Meanwhile, nine out of ten TV station managers interviewed by TelevisionWeek oppose a delay, citing additional costs incurred not only by keeping aging analog transmitters on the air longer than expected, but in engaging in a second public outreach and education campaign. For WILL-TV, a delay would likely mean a hold-up in originally announced plans to migrate the PBS World public affairs/documentary channel to digital 12.2, leaving 12.3 free to broadcast the Create how-to/travel stream 24 hours per day.
A House bill sponsored by California Democrat Henry Waxman is on hold, pending action on a similar Senate bill by West Virginia Democrat Jay Rockefeller. Republican opposition has delayed that latter measure being taken to the floor, but a vote could occur soon.
WILL-TV will keep you posted as we learn more about the situation. For now, we are still required by the Federal Communications Commission to promote the February 17 date. And we urge viewers not to delay in taking the steps necessary to complete their own digital transition. Even if a delay does occur, change IS coming, and the sooner you take action, the more secure you can feel.
back to the main {blog_title} page
Post a comment on this entry: