Obama Signs DTV-Delay Bill
President Barack Obama has signed the bill extending the DTV date from Feb. 17 to June 12.
By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 2/11/2009 4:58:26 PM
President Barack Obama has signed the bill extending the DTV date from Feb. 17 to June 12.
His transition team had called for the date to be moved, and the bill was passed a week ago. But the president had pledged to put bills out for a five-day public comment period, which he did with this bill.
"During these challenging economic times, the needs of American consumers are a top priority of my administration," the president said Wednesday.
"This law, which was crafted in a bipartisan way and passed overwhelmingly in the House and Senate, ensures that our citizens will have more time to prepare for the conversion."
"Millions of Americans, including those in our most vulnerable communities, would have been left in the dark if the conversion had gone on as planned, and this solution is an important step forward as we work to get the nation ready for digital TV. My administration will continue to work with leaders in Congress, broadcasters, consumer groups and the telecommunications industry to improve the information and assistance available to our citizens in advance of June 12.”
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Indeed the comsumer should come first. To do this the proper way, the president needs to declare Digital TV dead. Effective immediately, all exisitng digital transmission should cease and only analog remain for the time being.
Next Mr. Obama needs to revisit the entire idea of digital TV. Appropriate spectrum NOT already allocated to the TV bands and declare that on a given date, about ten years from now, there will be DTV. Then allocate the federal resources to develop a digital system that works within that spectrum.
Then he should allow broadcasters to "bid" on that spectrum with the caveat that, if awarded the bid, the station would 1.)not be part of any "group", 2.)be properly staffed with a staff that "looks like America", 3.) be responsible that everyone in their DMA that cannot afford a digital TV be equipped with one (American made, of course!) 4.)maintain analog signal of exacting standards until the day of the actual conversion (no more just use up the analog transmitter until it quits), and 5.) present to the government proof that they have equipped the entire market with usable, workable, viewable TV sets so the consumer won't lose a moment of "The Young and the Restless".
Then, with great bravado and trumpet playing, announce to the consuming public that the government "did it right" this time (instead of allowing the "free market" to work).
This will make for a smoother transiton.
The 94% of consumers who DID prepare for the conversion? I'll bet their sets came from a foreign country; they can simply scrap them (not literally, dispose of them in a "Green" TV depository) and buy an American made set.
Mike Seaver - 2/12/2009 10:44:01 AM EST -
For all of you who are whining about, as if it's Obama's fault, when it's clearly stated that it was the decision of lawmakers & the National Association of Broadcasters, to extend the date so that at least a few out of that 5 million will get their lazy asses and go buy the converters or have enough time to change to Digital. Now would you think about how much money you're gonna lose or the number of customers you're gonna lose? Think about that all you ignorant yuppies.
@Fagwell Bauer, I'm considering you only took the vulnerable as black and not looked at the millions of people from all races who aren't ready for this transition. Read from all news sources before you comment schmuck.
Chris - 2/12/2009 12:48:45 AM EST -
"During these challenging economic times, the needs of American consumers are a top priority of my administration,"
However he is willing to cost TV stations thousands more dollars to continue to broadcast in analog and cost people more money on re-educating people on the new cutoff date. Not to mention the confusion it will cause when stations randomly shut down analog instead of all at the same time. Way to go.
Brent - 2/11/2009 12:17:00 PM EST -
"vulnerable communities" you mean blacks right?
God this guy is stupid!
Maxwell Bauer - 2/11/2009 12:11:18 PM EST -
And let the chaos begin!
Myke - 2/11/2009 11:55:38 AM EST
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