GAO Report Questions Stations’ Readiness for DTV Transition

The Government Accountability Office released a report Tuesday examining 1) the status of broadcast stations in transitioning to digital, 2) the extent to which broadcast stations are encountering issues, and 3) the actions the Federal Communications Commission has taken to guide broadcasters in the digital transition. Approximately 91 percent of the 1,122 full-power TV stations that responded to the GAO survey reported they are transmitting a digital signal, 68% at full strength. But some stations still need to complete construction of their final digital facilities, and others need to relocate their digital channel to complete the transition. Almost all of the stations not currently broadcasting digitally report that they will be by Feb 17, 2009. Some stations, including those already broadcasting a digital signal, need to resolve various technical, coordination, or other issues before their transition to digital is complete. Some stations are still awaiting FCC decisions to complete their transitions. In response to the report, Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) said, "I would note my ongoing and deep concern that while industry is, at a minimum, fully informed of the upcoming transition and aware of the potential pitfalls, the same cannot be said for consumers. Far too many Americans are unaware of or unprepared for February 17, 2009. As this report demonstrates, there is no one-size fits all message that will adequately educate consumers. It is imperative that all stakeholders in the DTV transition, both public and private, work together to ensure that local communities are fully informed and prepared for the transition, and that no consumer is left in the dark." House Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell (D-MI) announced the Committee on Energy and Commerce will hold a hearing on Tuesday, June 10 on the status of the DTV transition, including examining the conclusions of the GAO report, as well as the FCC plan to establish Wilmington, NC, as a DTV test market.