Obama Makes It Official: DTV Deadline Extended To June 12
President Signs DTV Transition Bill Into Law
John Eggerton -- Multichannel News, 2/11/2009 5:00:03 PM
President Barack Obama has signed the bill extending the DTV date from Feb. 17 to June 12.
His transition team had called for the date to be moved, and the bill was passed a week ago. But the president had pledged to put bills out for a five-day public comment period, which he did with the DTV bill.
"During these challenging economic times, the needs of American consumers are a top priority of my administration," the president said Wednesday.
"This law, which was crafted in a bipartisan way and passed overwhelmingly in the House and Senate, ensures that our citizens will have more time to prepare for the conversion.
"Millions of Americans, including those in our most vulnerable communities, would have been left in the dark if the conversion had gone on as planned, and this solution is an important step forward as we work to get the nation ready for digital TV. My administration will continue to work with leaders in Congress, broadcasters, consumer groups and the telecommunications industry to improve the information and assistance available to our citizens in advance of June 12."
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Did someone forget who is burdened with the cost of the extension? Broadcasters are running two transmiters to keep analog alive. Over 30% have say they will turn off alalog on the Feb. 17th as planed. When revenue is down you look to cut costs, DTV is less costly to transmit and is a better picture. Once analog is off, most DTV broadcasts will be booted for better coverage. If you need emergency announcments, listen to the radio. This extention was nothing but more "spendulous". No value, no jobs created, no lives saved, just expense.
Roger - 2/12/2009 2:15:06 AM EST -
Let the chaos games begin! Further evidence of our government's complete lack of competency. Once June 12 comes might we expect the date to move to October 12? Do tell, when exactly will the - can't fix stupid - american consumer be 100% ready for the transition?
Quigley Spargus - 2/12/2009 1:50:57 AM EST -
Let the chaos games begin! Further evidence of the US Government's complete lack of competency. So June 12 comes - are we to expect October 12? Do tell, when will every - can't fix stupid - american be ready for the transition?
Quigley Spargus - 2/12/2009 1:09:18 AM EST
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