The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

Transition in Trouble

• Table of Contents
• Acknowledgements
• Executive Summary
• Introduction
• Many Will Suffer Significant Harm if the DTV Transition Fails
• The Leadership Conference has Identified Numerous Issues that Threaten a Successful DTV Transition
  • Transition Planning Lacks Leadership and a Comprehensive Plan
  • Transition Awareness is Low; Consumers and Retailers are Confused; Outreach Efforts are Inadequate
  • Coupon Program is Confusing, Burdensome, and Restrictive
  • Costs and Burdens to Many Communities and Viewers are Excessive or Overwhelming
  • Many Communities Will Lose, not Gain, Television Stations and Service
  • No Rapid Response is in Place to Deal with Inevitable Transition Problems
• Recommendations
  • Improve Organization of the Transition
  • Fund Increased Consumer Outreach, Education and Research
  • Reduce Costs and Burdens of Transition on Viewers
  • Preserve Communities' Access to Their Television Stations
  • Prepare for Rapid Response to Problems
• Conclusion

Conclusion

The transition to digital television on February 17, 2009 presents a tremendous opportunity for our nation to usher in an exciting new technology, while at the same time reclaiming billions of dollars' worth of spectrum.

However, for the DTV transition to be a success, no communities and no viewers must be left without television service. It is the responsibility of Congress to ensure that communities and consumers are not unfairly and excessively burdened by the nation's transition to digital television. Where the costs and burdens of the digital transition are too great for consumers, we believe it is not too much to ask that the government, which recently received $19.5 billion in the auction of the spectrum freed up by this transition, assist these viewers.

Presently, there are many significant challenges and issues that must be overcome for the DTV transition to be a success for all viewers. Comprehensive planning, increased funding, and a strengthened commitment to ensuring that no communities and no viewers will be left behind are necessary. Bold action must be taken quickly, or potentially millions of viewers in our nation's most vulnerable communities are at risk of waking up on February 18, 2009 with their lifelines to those communities - free over-the-air television service - suddenly gone dark. The stakes are too great for our nation to let complacency and hubris turn the digital television transition into the Digital Television Divide.