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

No Rapid Response is in Place to Deal with Inevitable Transition Problems

Recently, LIN Television CEO Vince Sadusky was quoted as saying about the potential for problems occurring after the analog shut-off on February 17, 2009, "In the worst case scenario, you will have a few... grandmothers out there who will wake up and not have their TVs working...[but] they'll have a resolution within a few days."⁶⁵ Having reviewed numerous significant problems and unintended consequences that are already threatening the success of the digital transition, we must respectfully disagree. Indeed, such complacency on the part of a major broadcaster, which operates in Austin, Albuquerque, Buffalo, and other communities that are home to many poor, elderly, disabled, and others for whom English is not the primary language, is extremely troubling. It is one reason why the Leadership Conference is compelled to issue this report now on the challenges facing a successful transition.

It is time to honestly acknowledge that many Americans will turn on their analog televisions on February 18, 2009 and be "in the dark." There is simply too much confusion in the marketplace, too many people to transition, too many potential challenges and problems in making the transition, and too few resources dedicated to the task to assert otherwise.

At present, the government has no plan in place to rapidly assist those who, for whatever reason, find that they wake up on February 18, 2009 and discover their over-the-air television service has vanished. Low-income households, seniors, minorities, or persons with disabilities cannot be permitted to lose their television lifelines, even for just a day or two.

In this nation's transition to digital television, it is critical that we plan now for how we rapidly respond to those most vulnerable populations who are left behind after February 17, 2009, as some inevitably will be. It is vital that the government provide funding for home visits to deliver and install converter boxes and antennas for those who need assistance. Congress and the agencies in charge of the transition cannot allow these viewers to languish with their television lifelines cut for any longer than is absolutely necessary.

Next >>

65. TVNewsday, May 8, 2008.