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Updated Feb 5, 2009 - 7:48 am

Local stations not delaying digital switchover

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By CHRIS SULLIVAN
KIRO Radio

If you still have rabbit ears for that old TV, you won't be getting any of Seattle's local channels in 12 days, despite what Congress says. They don't plan to delay the switch to digital signals.

Most local TV stations plan to shut down their analog signal on February 17, meaning no CSI, The Office, or 60 Minutes for those who don't have cable, satellite, or a digital TV.

"There really were markets where consumers would be better off if there's a delay, but it also recognizes there are markets that are ready. That's the balance that Congress struck," said Mark Wigfield, with the Federal Communications Commission.

TV stations say requiring them to broadcast in both digital and analog for another four months will cost them too much money.

Wigfield says stations that want to go ahead with the change in 12 days can do so, but only if they follow very specific guidelines. Those rules are still being finalized.

There are over three million people still waiting to get coupons for reduced price converter boxes right now. Congress has approved delaying the digital switchover until June 12, saying the country isn't ready.


Comments (6)
  • Add A Comment

  • eldeecee wrote...
    People Not Ready Will Never Be Ready
    There has been a great deal of effort put into informing people that they have to make changes to continue receiving TV after the digital switchover. To delay the switch over because some people are not ready will not help because those who are not ready will never be ready. Giving them another four months will not change them; they will still not be ready. There will always be those who will do nothing to prepare for the switch.
  • EverettGal wrote...
    Just another subsidized addiction...
    Coupons so more low-income people can watch tv? That's the last thing we or they need. Just another example of the government subsidizing our addictions, from oil to high fructose corn syrup.
  • Dadio wrote...
    Stop the Whining!
    Americans cry about everything. Be responsible for your lives and stop sucking off the governement! You knew about this long ago.
  • rollingmyeyes wrote...
    What's the worst that can happen?
    People who are not ready when the conversion happens will simply not be able to watch TV. Period. They might miss a few episodes of Oprah, All My Children, CSI... whatever (the horror!!!) until they get off their butts and pick up a converter. It's not like they will freeze to death in their home because the electricity has been shut off for non-payment. Our government needs to get some perspective on this issue.
  • Convergencezone wrote...
    No Excuse
    There is no reason why this should have been delayed in the first place. If you are not ready shame on you.....
  • Oversight wrote...
    Analog Switchover
    I'm glad that the local broadcasters are going to go ahead with the switchover mext week in spite Congress. The vote to delay the transition really has nothing to do with "helping" people who are unprepared (re: too lazy to go get a converter box). Rather rather they acted in their own self interests to: a) do what they always do (D or R), avoid making hard decisions. The switchover to digital broadcasting has been underway for a decade now, and a firm cutoff in place for three years. There is no excuse for the delay. If someone hasn't prepared for the switchover, they never will until forced to do so. and b) shift the blame to the broadcasters when billy joe bubba starts yelling because he gets a snowy screen instead of the latest inbreeding adventures on Cheaters or Jerry Springer. Now they can say, "It's not my fault, I voted for the delay"


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