Congressman Rick Boucher talks DTV with TV executives

By Ashley Roberts
WSLS10 Reporter
Published: January 12, 2009

Area television leaders meet to discuss the impact that pushing back the digital transition date could have on stations.

The current deadline is just over a month away…37 days to be exact.
   
WSLS has been counting down, but last week, President-Elect Barack Obama’s team called on Congress to delay the big switch.

Meanwhile, Congressman Rick Boucher is now the chair on the subcommittee for communications, technology and the internet. His job is to make sure the digital transition is successful.

Boucher spent the day in Abingdon talking with television executives from the 9th district about the DTV transition and the possible delay.
WSLS: “Are we ready in your opinion?
Boucher: “I think we’re not ready. I think we are not ready for the transition.“

Some people don’t have a choice not without a coupon to buy a converter box and the government running out of money to fund the program doesn’t help.

“We are looking at providing new appropriations for the program and that necessarily takes time,“ said Boucher.

“The major concern that I would have about the delay is the potential effect it might have on the people who are anticipating receiving spectrum, first responders and the cellular companies that bought their spectrums for $20 billion dollars,“ added Boucher.
   
Television executives are concerned because a delay means spending more money. “We’re effectively running two T.V stations right now,“ said WSLS General Manager Warren Fiihr. “The power bill alone is a pile of money we’re going to have to pay every month that we weren’t planning on.“

Boucher says if the digital switch is delayed it would be for a short time. “Couple of months I would think if it is done at all,“ said Boucher. “I think a couple of months would be a likely time frame.“