GAO Launches Transition Site; DTV and Telecom Reform Identified as Major Issues

Following each presidential election, GAO serves as a resource to assist with the transition to a new Congress and administration. On this Web site, using its institutional knowledge and broad-based, nonpartisan work on matters across the government spectrum, GAO provides insight into, and recommendations for addressing, the nation's major issues, risks and challenges. Also located throughout the site are key reports for further research, as well as contact information for and video messages from GAO experts. Among the major issues identified: 1) Status of Digital TV Transition: Television signals will switch from analog to digital on February 17, 2009, and those viewers that have not made the proper arrangements, including purchasing and installing a converter box, will lose their signals. While federal agencies responsible for publicizing this transition and providing subsidies for converter boxes have taken steps to resolve the issue, some viewers may still lose their signals; this will be particularly problematic if poor weather or another emergency occurs. 2) Telecomm Reform/FCC Management and Organization: The Federal Communications Commission faces significant challenges in regulating the fast-changing multibillion-dollar telecommunications field. The agency's essential organization has not changed to meet the industry's needs, and GAO has previously reported on gaps in FCC's ability to develop and manage data, performance measures, and other metrics useful to its regulatory mission.