FCC Unveils Plans For Second Wave Of DTV Transitions

On Friday, the Federal Communications Commission released its second order implementing the digital television transition delay bill, including changing all the relevant Feb. 17, 2009 dates to June 12, but it also contained various modifications and additions to handle the second wave of analog shut-offs. In a separate notice of proposed rulemaking the Commission proposes that no TV stations should cease analog broadcasts earlier than April 16. By March 17 (St. Patrick's Day), all TV broadcasters must inform the FCC of when they plan to cease analog broadcasts if it is before June 12 -- any stations that do not will be assumed to be going June 12 and won't be able to pull the plug earlier (absent a disaster or unforeseeable emergency). The Commission said that date certain was only fair given that cable operators, satellite carriers, broadcasters and tower crews will need that certainty. April 16 is the deadline for filing updated DTV Transition Status Reports that outline those transition plans.