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Transition in Trouble: Action Needed to Ensure a Successful Digital Television Transition

Recommendation: Fund Increased Consumer Outreach, Education and Research

Currently the federal government has allocated only $5 million to educate consumers about the DTV transition and the government coupon program. As this report illustrates, that is not nearly enough. To increase awareness and reduce confusion, the federal government must appropriate additional funds in the FY 2008 supplemental appropriations bill to provide public education and outreach to alert populations at risk of losing over-the-air television service. In addition, independent research and polling must be funded to better understand what these populations know about the transition, and how best to reach them. The auction of the spectrum reclaimed by the government as the result of the DTV transition generated $19.5 billion, which was $9.5 billion more than anticipated. A small portion of that money should be devoted to public education about the transition.

To better educate, inform, and prepare the public, the government should also encourage broadcasters to conduct analog shut-off tests such as that recently completed in Orlando in more, if not all markets, prior to February 17, 2009.

Importantly, there are also many small steps that the federal government can take starting today to educate the public about the DTV transition that will make a big difference next February. For example, the Executive Branch should:

  • Have the President film a public service announcement on the upcoming DTV transition and convene a "summit conference" on the state of the DTV transition;
  • Require a DTV information link on the website of every government agency;
  • Place bill stuffers in Social Security check envelopes and all other government mailings; and
  • Urge the Postal Service to place DTV transition posters in all Post Offices and issue a DTV transition postage stamp.

All Congressional offices should:

  • Use their franking privileges and outreach services to educate their constituents about the transition;

  • Train staffers to provide helpful information to constituents, assist them with procuring coupons, and solve other problems associated with the transition;

  • Add links, buttons, banners on their website to the government coupon website, www.dtv2009.gov;

  • Insert articles and countdowns to February 17, 2009 in constituent newsletters;

  • Request coupon application forms from NTIA and make them available in Congressional D.C. and district offices. Hang posters and flyers as well;

  • Talk about the transition at community events and town hall meetings. Give the audience the toll-free number (1-888-DTV 2009) and have coupon application forms available;

  • Share DTV information with state leaders and ask them to share the information with their local communities; and

  • Do press outreach. Ask local community affairs programs to air a "Prepare for the DTV Transition" segment.

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