Q & A with Louis Sigalos,
Director of the Federal Communication Commission’s
Digital Television National Outreach Program
Broadcast television stations are converting to digital by February 17, 2009. Televisions using "rabbit ears" or rooftop antennas will not work after that date.
Albuquerque is one of the least prepared cities in the nation, with nearly 13% of households “completely unready” for the digital TV transition on Feb. 17. Thousands of New Mexicans could lose access to all television programming. Most affected will be seniors, low-income households, people with disabilities and non-English speakers.
Come to a Town Hall Meeting on the transition to digital television!
Ÿ Learn how to get a low-cost digital TV converter box, and how to hook it up.
Ÿ Apply for a converter box discount coupon.
Ÿ Ask questions and get answers from Louis Sigalos, Director of the Federal Communication Commission’s Digital Television National Outreach Program and other FCC officials.
Tuesday, Jan. 27
5:30 – 7:30 pm
Alamosa Community Center
6900 Gonzales Road SW
Albuquerque
Spanish translation available
Sponsored by:
New Mexico Media Literacy Project
Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP)
Albuquerque Community Access Channel 27
More info: 505-828-3129
Update: President Obama is asking Congress to move the transition date from February 17, 2009 to June 12, 2009 for the following reasons:
Eight million people are not DTV ready and we are three weeks away!
The TV Converter Box Coupon Program is completely out of money. Unless Congress approves more funding, low income, working class, and limited mobility communities will not be ready for the transition.
We need more time for education -- not everyone understands what the transition means and how to be prepared for it
John Podesta, co-chair of the Obama-Biden Presidential Transition Team, last week told Congress, "With coupons unavailable, support and education insufficient, and the most vulnerable Americans exposed, I urge you to consider a change to the legislatively-mandated analog cutoff date."
We agree! Ask the FCC to request that Congress include in their economic stimulus package:
A delayed date of June 2009 for the transition
Increased funding for converter box coupons
1 Tell us what you think:
Just who will benefit from the transition? Corporations or people? Go to the FCC hearing and tell the commissioners to make sure it's for the people...because the airwaves belong to all of us!
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