Senator Clinton Urges FCC to Address Possible Loss of Television Service in Shift to New Digital Technology

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Transition Could Leave Some Rural Areas without Signal When Analog Broadcasting Terminates in February 2009

October 30, 2007 -- Washington, DC - Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton today called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to address the possibility of viewers losing television service during the shift from analog to new digital technology. In the early stages of the changeover some stations made technical decisions that would leave many viewers without service when the process is completed in February 2009. In a letter sent to FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, Senator Clinton requested that the FCC give stations the opportunity to correct these mistakes before the coming deadline.

“Many New York State residents, especially in rural areas, could lose access to important local news and information if these problems are not corrected,” said Senator Clinton. “WWNY-TV in Watertown is a perfect example of a station whose viewers could be affected. Stations like WWNY-TV should be allowed to make needed changes to safeguard viewers’ service.”

A copy of the letter to Chairman Martin is below -

October 30, 2007

The Honorable Kevin Martin
Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554

Dear Chairman Martin:

The transition from analog to digital television must preserve vital broadcast services to every American. This is especially critical for viewers who depend on over-the-air broadcasts as their link to the rest of the world. Many New York State residents live in areas without access to cable or local-to-local satellite television. I am concerned about possible unintended consequences of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) procedures governing the transition and its impact on broadcast viewers.

When analog broadcasting terminates in February 2009, some viewers could lose service. For some, this is a result of confusion early in the transition process when stations had to choose between “maximization” and “replication” for the build-out of their post-transition digital facilities.

WWNY-TV in Watertown, New York is a perfect example. The CBS affiliate is a vital local source of television news programs in the 176th market. In the channel election process, the licensee wanted to “maximize” its digital signal and therefore chose “maximization”. Subsequently, the station has learned that “maximization” would mean nearly 59,000 viewers would not be able to see the station after the transition. The station should have chosen to “replicate,” because this more closely mirrors WWNY’s current analog broadcast pattern.

Viewers should not be deprived of a much needed source of local news and information due to confusion on the part of the station licensee. I am asking the FCC to give stations in these circumstances the opportunity to amend their election.

I appreciate the helpful attitude displayed by members of the FCC staff in dealing with my office in this matter. Time is an issue since affected stations, like WWNY, must order and install the necessary equipment to preserve coverage to underserved rural areas well ahead of the February 2009 deadline.

Thank you for your help rectifying this situation.

Sincerely yours,

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Source: Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton