DTV Transition Oversight Hearing Recap

The Senate Commerce Committee held an oversight hearing on the transition to digital television (DTV) on Tuesday. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin and National Telecommunications and Information Administration Chief Meredith Baker testified. Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) said he has "deep reservations about the FCC spending its limited time and resources in media areas unrelated to the transition." He also expressed concern that the NTIA is challenged by the Bush Administration’s push for a third leadership change at the agency within the past year. He requested the agencies provide the Committee with a monthly status report regarding the status of the DTV transition, highlighting accomplishments as well as continuing challenges. Ranking Member Ted Stevens also urged the FCC and the NTIA to make the transition their top priority. FCC Chairman Martin statement addressed FCC action on the final DTV table of allotments, the Third DTV Periodic Review, and enforcement of its rules. The NTIA's Baker, soon to depart her position, said the NTIA is preparing to change the rules of its digital-TV-to-analog converter-box program to help rural and older viewers. NTIA is working on a proposed rulemaking that would allow viewers with Post Office boxes as their mailing address to qualify for the coupons, as well as those living in assisted-living facilities and nursing homes. NTIA had used the Census Bureau definition for qualified households, but that excludes Post Office boxes and group homes.

* Chairman Inouye Expresses Concern about Coming DTV Transition
http://commerce.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Det...
* Stevens Advises FCC and NTIA that DTV Transition Should be Their Top Priority
http://commerce.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Det...

* FCC Chairman Martin
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-281393A1.doc

* NTIA Chief Baker
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/congress/2008/DTV_Senate_080408.html
* NTIA Relaxing Converter-Box Rules on P.O. Boxes, Nursing Homes
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6549335.html?rssid=193

* Senators still sweating digital TV switch
http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9914424-7.html?tag=nefd.top