Contact:
Tania Panczyk-Collins
202 654-4222
tpanczyk@apts.org

APTS Endorses Engel Digital TV Consumer Education Bill

WASHINGTON—July 12, 2007—The Association of Public Television Stations (APTS) applauded a bill introduced by Representative Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.) that takes a comprehensive approach in educating the American public about the transition to digital television.

The bill, “National Digital Television Consumer Education Act” (H.R. 2566), includes a number of provisions to increase consumer awareness of the coming “hard date” of February 17, 2009 for the beginning of digital-only broadcasting. It creates a DTV Transition Federal Advisory Committee to provide leadership across industries, non-profits and government for the transition. The bill also authorizes $20 million in funds to reach over-the-air viewers with information about the transition.

“We applaud Rep. Engel’s leadership in taking a comprehensive approach to consumer education. It will greatly increase the odds that the DTV transition is successful,” said APTS President and CEO John Lawson. “We are particularly pleased that Rep. Engel’s bill would provide crucial funds to support a consumer education campaign,” Lawson said. “This funding will help to reach those groups of American households most affected by the transition from analog to digital.”

Rep. Engel said: "What I have been hearing from my constituents is a total confusion about the transition. But in less than two years, millions of TVs could stop working. This is why I introduced the National Digital Television Consumer Education Act. I believe it is the Federal Government's obligation to educate the public as to what consumers need to do to prepare for this transition. I am pleased to know that the public broadcasters are supporting this important consumer protection bill and look forward to their continued support as I push for its passage in Congress."

Lawson added: “Consumers need to be aware that digital over-the-air television will continue to be free, will offer more channels and will give a better picture even on an older set—with a converter box.”

A recent APTS survey found that an estimated 61% of households have no idea about the digital transition. Of these 22 million American households that rely upon free, over-the-air television, most if not all will move slowly to adopt digital TV sets or subscribe to cable services.