Deliver Your News to the World

NAB Applauds House Passage of DTV Legislation


WEBWIRE

WASHINGTON, DC -- The National Association of Broadcasters today applauded House passage of legislation granting stations the ability to voluntarily broadcast in analog format a digital TV informational message or emergency information in the days following the DTV transition on February 17, 2009.

The legislation, approved by unanimous consent last night, is identical to Senate legislation (S. 3663) introduced by Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) and approved by the Senate last month. The House effort was led by Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA). The bill now goes to the White House for approval.

Specifically, the legislation directs the FCC to develop and implement a program by January 15th to encourage and permit, where technically feasible, the continued broadcasting of analog signals with DTV education information and emergency messaging after the February 17, 2009 transition date. The program will be in effect for a 30-day period beginning February 18, 2009.

In October, the NAB Television Board of Directors unanimously adopted a resolution to support the legislation.

Commenting on the House action, NAB Executive Vice President Dennis Wharton issued the following statement:

“Coupled with our billion dollar campaign to educate Americans on the digital TV transition, this timely legislation will give broadcasters one final resource to ensure that no TV viewer is left behind due to insufficient information. We applaud Congress and thank Sen. Rockefeller and Rep. Capps for their leadership on this issue.”



WebWireID82433





This news content was configured by WebWire editorial staff. Linking is permitted.

News Release Distribution and Press Release Distribution Services Provided by WebWire.