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Senate Passes Bill Aimed at DTV Vulnerable
Last week, lawmakers moved on key legislation tied to the nation's upcoming transition to digital TV, set for February 2009.
The Senate on Friday approved an amendment that would expand funding for digital television transition assistance to populations deemed vulnerable by the future switch. Specifically, the DTV Transition Assistance Act, adopted by the Senate as an amendment, provides the National Telecommunications and Information Administration with authority to use leftover funds for grants, contracts and assistance programs aimed at assisting senior citizens, rural residents and minorities with the transition.
"With just seven months remaining until the DTV transition, too many Americans remain in the dark about what the DTV transition means," said Daniel Inouye, the Hawaii Democrat and chair of the Senate Commerce Committee. "It is imperative that any unused funds be directed toward assisting those who will be most impacted by the switch."
The bill also adjusts dates codified in earlier DTV legislation to ensure that low-power broadcasters can be reimbursed for their expenses when they upgrade from analog to digital equipment.
Last week, lawmakers moved on key legislation tied to the nation's upcoming transition to digital TV, set for February 2009.
The Senate on Friday approved an amendment that would expand funding for digital television transition assistance to populations deemed vulnerable by the future switch. Specifically, the DTV Transition Assistance Act, adopted by the Senate as an amendment, provides the National Telecommunications and Information Administration with authority to use leftover funds for grants, contracts and assistance programs aimed at assisting senior citizens, rural residents and minorities with the transition.
"With just seven months remaining until the DTV transition, too many Americans remain in the dark about what the DTV transition means," said Daniel Inouye, the Hawaii Democrat and chair of the Senate Commerce Committee. "It is imperative that any unused funds be directed toward assisting those who will be most impacted by the switch."
The bill also adjusts dates codified in earlier DTV legislation to ensure that low-power broadcasters can be reimbursed for their expenses when they upgrade from analog to digital equipment.