TV Nightlight Bill Could Get Senate Vote

A bill that would allow broadcasters to keep their analog signals running for a couple weeks past the Feb. 17, 2009 date could get a vote in the Senate as early as Wednesday. Introduced by Sen Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), the bill would require broadcasters to transition their primary channel feeds to digital by Feb. 17, but would allow, though not require, them to continue to broadcast DTV-education information and emergency information in analog for 30 days past the Feb. 17, 2009 date. If it passes the Senate, it would then go to the House for a vote. If that is the case, it is likely to pass "in short order," particularly since congressional leadership is looking to actually get some things done rather than appear to simply be flapping its wings in the lame duck session.