Senate Republicans Sign On to June DTV Delay

An effort to delay the impending switch to digital TV signals got a boost Thursday night after Senate Republicans agreed to a plan that would push the transition to June 12.

GOP members were initially hesitant to support the delay, blocking consideration of the legislation when it was introduced on January 16. After a little negotiation and some amendments to the bill, however, Republicans are now on board.

"I had serious concerns about shifting the digital television transition without a sound plan to inform consumers or address the converter box coupon shortage," Sen. Hutchison, a Texas Republican and ranking member of the Senate Commerce Committee, said in a statement. "I am pleased that Chairman Rockefeller worked with me to address many of the concerns with the early proposals."
Democratic senators Jay Rockefeller, chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota last week announced plans for a bill that would push the switch from analog to digital TV signals from February 17 to June 12.

Broadcast stations are federally mandated to make this change next month in order to free up spectrum for public safety and other uses. But concerns about funding, consumer education, and execution have prompted members of Congress - and the Obama administration - to request a delay.

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