[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 6, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1207]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF THE NATIONAL DIGITAL TELEVISION CONSUMER EDUCATION ACT

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                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 5, 2007

  Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to encourage my colleagues' 
strong support of a bill that I am introducing, which would educate the 
American people about the Nation's transition to digital television 
broadcasting and help prepare them for the analog cutoff date in 
February 2009.
  As you know, Congress enacted a ``hard date,'' February 17, 2009, by 
which our TV broadcasters must cease analog broadcasting and only 
transmit in digital. On that date, anyone who relies on over-the-air 
broadcasts will need a set-top box to receive and convert digital TV 
signals in order for their analog TV to continue to work.
  The benefits of transitioning to digital TV signals are enormous, 
most importantly opening up desperately needed spectrum for first 
responders. I believe the American people will support this transition, 
but to make this transition a success our constituents need to know and 
understand why this is happening.
  The Federal Communications Commission has been tasked with the 
responsibility of the success of this transition. If the Commission 
does not approach the analog cutoff date with care and consideration of 
the consumer, millions of TV viewing Americans will be left with a 
black screen.
  I am particularly concerned that the FCC is relying heavily on a 
website to inform consumers about the transition and how to prepare for 
the analog cutoff day. I believe that this is not enough. According to 
the GAO, 21 million U.S. households rely on over-the-air television. 
Many of these households have a combined income of $30,000 or less and 
do not have immediate access to the internet. I am not convinced that a 
website will help these families obtain the necessary information to 
prepare for the transition.
  To facilitate this transition and make up for the lack of sufficient 
education from the FCC, I am introducing the National Digital 
Television Consumer Education Act. This legislation requires TV 
retailers to place signs next to analog televisions that will include 
an advisory that additional equipment is necessary after February 17, 
2009 to continue using that TV. The bill also requires broadcasters to 
air PSAs for more than a year to help educate the public about what is 
happening and the set-top box subsidy program.
  The DTV transition will impact every American. We must do everything 
to ensure the success of this transition and help our constituents from 
losing their television transmission in February 2009. I urge my 
colleagues to co-sponsor this bill which will help prepare the American 
people for the upcoming transition.

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