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

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: