Broadcasters Urge FCC to Reject Digital Transition Mandates

BROADCASTERS URGE FCC TO REJECT DIGITAL TRANSITION MANDATES
[SOURCE: TVWeek, AUTHOR: Ira Teinowitz]
Broadcasting groups are rejecting suggestions that the Federal Communications Commission require broadcasters to promote the digital transition with a specific number of public service ads or messages. In comments filed today with the FCC, the National Association of Broadcasters and the Association for Maximum Service Television said broadcasters are already voluntarily committing to major education efforts. The filing suggests the FCC should concentrate on tracking the effectiveness of various industry and government education efforts, assessing any need to reach out to any groups or populations that haven't been adequately served. The groups said that imposing specific time or message requirements on broadcasters would hurt rather than help an education effort that needs maximum flexibility to “ensure that all on-air messaging can be adjusted” depending on needs. The National Cable and Telecommunications Association also urged the FCC to reject any requirements on cable.
http://www.tvweek.com/news/2007/09/digital_transition_broadcaster.php
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