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

The Leadership Conference has Identified Numerous Issues that Threaten a Successful DTV Transition

With the February 17, 2009 date fast approaching for shut off of analog full-power television stations, the efforts of the government, industry, consumer, public interest and other groups to facilitate the nation's transition to digital television have increased significantly. We applaud these efforts, and they unquestionably have led to greater awareness of the upcoming digital transition among many Americans. We are also now able to identify significant shortcomings and gaps in these efforts, as well as unanticipated problems and unintended consequences, which must be addressed boldly and quickly to ensure that no viewers are left behind. These are detailed below.

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