NAB Supports Analog Nightlight Bills
NAB supports bills to allow emergency/educational analog broadcasts for few weeks after Feb. 17, 2009.
By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 10/15/2008 1:42:00 PM
The National Association of Broadcasters TV board has voted to support bills that would allow broadcasters to continue to air emergency alerts and DTV switch information in analog for a few weeks after the DTV transition date of Feb. 17, 2009.
The bills were introduced by Senator John D. Rockefeller (D-W. Va.). and Rep. Lois Capps (D-Calif.). Currently, broadcasters must pull the plug on analog by law.
Following is the text of the resolution, according to NAB:
"By the Television Board of Directors of the National Association of Broadcasters
"We support Congressional action including S. 3663 and H.R. 7013 to provide for a voluntary extension of analog broadcasting beyond the date of February 17, 2009, only to provide additional time for consumers to be educated about the DTV Transition and receive emergency information.
"This voluntary commitment would apply only to stations where the continuation of the analog signal is technically feasible. The NAB will work closely with the FCC in implementing a reasonable program taking into account local stations' technology and market specifics."
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I work as an engineer for a tv station group. Many TV stations do not have the option to stay in analog mode for another 2 years - our analog transmitters are 20+ years old, and the manufacturers have ceased product support. Since there is no market for analog transmitters, they have stopped building them, so replacement isn''t an option. It''s DTV or no TV. Some European countries have already shut down analog TV transmission.
Bob Spain - 10/16/2008 2:30:00 PM EDT -
IF ANALOG DIES, SO WILL 2009 PROFITS. How self-defeatring is the
broadcast station business? You know the public isn't ready, you know
you'll anger viewers who need more time to get their coupons and
converters. Only cable benefits from this premature capitulation.
Canada won't lose analog until Aug. 31, 2011. That should be the
American date, too. In an economic downturn, free TV is more
valuable than ever. What kind of industry cuts off its nose to spite its
face? Do you really think you'll make up the lost renvenues via retrans?
No way. Avoid the emharrassment of millions being disenfranchised
from TV on the morning of Feb. 18th. Get Congress to mandate the
continuation of analog for another 2-1/2 years. Avoid the
embarrassment, because it also will lead to an investigation into how
this whole thing was mishandled.
Adam Smith - 10/16/2008 4:39:00 AM EDT
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