Two groups want Congress to slow down plans to change broadcast television to all-digital.
The Leadership Conference on Civil Rights (LCCR) and Consumers Union think a delay will help millions of people prepare for the change, which requires either a new television or a converter box to view over-the-air television. Cable and satellite users won’t be affected.
Feb. 17 date has long been the scheduled change-over date, but the House is scheduled to vote Wednesday on a plan to delay it until June 12.
“A delay is important but it is not sufficient,” said Mark Lloyd, vice president of strategic initiatives at LCCR. “Funding is necessary to extend the coupon program and support local groups to help all Americans get the assistance they need to keep access to free over-the-air television service. We urge Congress to act as soon as possible.”
Millions of Americans – often communities of color, people who speak a language other than English, people with disabilities, low-income families, and the elderly – are still left without the necessary assistance to make the transition, the groups said.
“This is a huge transition that benefits business and government. We need to make sure that consumers get treated fairly, too,” said Joel Kelsey, Consumers Union policy analyst. “A four-month delay should provide enough time to address the problems with the transition. A delay is a win for consumers, especially the millions of people sitting on waiting lists for converter-box coupons.”
