[Commentary] Meredith Attwell Baker is the acting head of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the Commerce Department unit responsible for overseeing next year's transition to digital signals. Baker is the acting head because the previous official who headed the NTIA, John Kneuer, resigned last year "to pursue new opportunities." Asst Sec Baker has said she wants to resign, too, but her replacement, Neil Patel, has yet to be confirmed by the Senate -- in fact, the Senate hasn't even scheduled a hearing yet on Patel's nomination. So, eight months from the transition date -- February 17, 2009 -- the federal government's effort is being led by an unknown acting agency head who wants to leave her job as soon as possible. Is there any wonder that many industry analysts believe the Digital TV transition is doomed? The federal government needs a high-profile person to head the educational aspects of this program, someone who can communicate how to prepare for the switch in simple terms. And someone who will instantly command respect from minorities and older residents -- the groups that surveys indicate are most clueless about the switch. While many people would fit the bill, one name jumps out: Bill Cosby. http://www.tvpredictions.com/baker062408.htm
