Rockefeller, Hutchison Compromise On DTV Delay

Senate Commerce Chairman Jay Rockefeller and ranking member Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) have stuck a compromise on a bill to move the digital television transition to June 12, 2009. The bill will include a fix for the digital-to-analog converter box coupon program, allow TV stations to switch early to airing only a digital signal without penalty, allow the Federal Communications Commission to recoup some of the costs of delay through sales of spectrum, and allow the FCC to award some spectrum to public safety officials. A Rockefeller aide says the aim is to try and get the bill finished and passed by unanimous consent by the end of the week with the help of Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV).