[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 74 (Friday, June 7, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E993-E994]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   COMMENDING STATIONS ON MAKING THE TRANSITION TO DIGITAL TELEVISION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHRISTOPHER JOHN

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 6, 2002

  Mr. JOHN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for the 
ongoing efforts by our Nation's broadcasters to make the transition to 
digital television. This exciting new technology will open the door to 
a new world of possibilities like High Definition TV, interactive 
television, and expanded programming options.
  I am proud that one of the broadcasters in my congressional district 
has taken a lead in making this advancement. KLFY, a Young Broadcasting 
station, currently serves residents in Louisiana's Seventh 
Congressional District with a digital signal.
  It is no small accomplishment to make the transition to digital. 
Broadcasters across the country are making substantial investments in 
new transmitting facilities, new production

[[Page E994]]

equipment, and in some cases new broadcast towers. Collectively, the 
broadcast industry has invested over a billion dollars into this new 
technology.
  America's broadcasters have demonstrated their commitment to making 
the DTV transition, but they cannot do it alone. A collaborative effort 
by the FCC, cable operators, consumer equipment manufacturers and 
Congress is needed if we are to meet the timetable that has been 
established. Several issues must still be addressed to build on the 
progress that broadcasters are making in rolling out digital television 
to their viewers. In particular, we must work to overcome the economic 
and technical roadblocks that are currently preventing small 
broadcasters from successfully launching DTV.
  Mr. Speaker, with the continued efforts of our Nation's broadcasters 
I am sure that we will overcome these obstacles and make a successful 
transition to DTV. I remain confident that the future of television is 
digital and I believe that future is bright.

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