Don't Rush To Give Up Analog

[Commentary] While improvements in communications for first responders and supportive government agencies are critically important, they should not come at the expense of citizen safety -- and free, local TV broadcasting. Since 1934, Congress has successfully relied on a system of free and universally available local broadcasting stations to provide essential news and information, especially in emergencies. The evacuation of millions of people before the recent hurricanes struck was largely due to television broadcasters who brought information to mass audiences quickly and efficiently. An accelerated deadline for the swap to digital-only broadcasting would make spectrum available for other uses, but at what expense to the public? Government subsidies to make converter boxes available will not ensure a smooth, rapid transition unless viewers understand the proposal and hook up boxes before analog is turned off. A premature end to a measured digital transition means stations will lose viewers. That translates into lost revenues and threatens the economic survival of some stations. Unfortunately, the impact will be most harsh in smaller communities, where the needs for universally available, over-the-air broadcasting are the greatest.
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6278889?display=Opinion&referral=SUPP
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