FCC's Copps:Top TV Networks To Keep Analog Signals Until June
05 Febbraio 2009 - 10:20PM
Dow Jones News
Major TV networks - CBS Corp. (CBS), Fox, NBC, ABC, and the
Spanish-language Telemundo -all have committed to continue
transmitting in analog format until June 12, the new date when
stations are required to broadcast only in digital format, Federal
Communications Commission Acting Chairman Michael Copps said
Thursday.
Congress has voted to postpone the digital TV transition date
until June 12, and President Barack Obama is expected to sign the
bill soon. But the legislation allows prepared TV stations to stop
broadcasting in analog format before that date if they meet certain
conditions and notify their viewers.
Once TV stations shut off their analog signals, viewers relying
on over-the-air TV won't be able to watch their programs unless
they buy a digital TV or converter box or subscribe to a satellite
or cable TV service.
Gannett Co Inc. (GCI) and Hearst-Argyle Television Inc. (HTV)
also have assured the commission that "a vast majority" of their
stations will maintain an analog signal until June 12, Copps
said.
ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Co. (DIS). NBC is a unit of
General Electric Co. (GE). Fox is owned by News Corp. (NWS), which
also owns Dow Jones Newswires.
Copps said TV stations that want to shut off their analog TV
signals on Feb. 17, as originally planned, must notify the FCC by
Feb. 9.
Obama officials, members of Congress, and consumer advocates
pressed for a postponement of the original Feb. 17 digital
transition date, arguing that the country wasn't ready for the
shift. Some Republicans opposed the delay, noting the cost to
broadcasters and confusion for consumers.
In deference to TV stations' preparation for a Feb. 17 digital
shift, Congress gave broadcasters flexibility to shut down their
analog broadcasts early. But Copps said the FCC is reserving the
right to deny those requests "if we find it would not serve the
public interest or if it would frustrate Congress's goal of giving
consumers adequate time to prepare."
FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell noted that some stations may be
forced to lay off staff if they incur the cost of maintaining an
analog signal for several more months.
The commission will analyze their requests on a case-by-case
basis.
-By Fawn Johnson, Dow Jones Newswires; 202-862-9263;
fawn.johnson@dowjones.com