Washington - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and members of Congress are proposing an increase in the number of TV ads notifying consumers of the impending transition to digital TV broadcasting in 2009, when an estimated 15.5 million U.S. households relying on analog broadcasts will lose their signals, The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday. The FCC may approve a plan that would require broadcasters to air at least four 30-second public service announcements about the transition each day, increasing to as many as 12 per day as the Feb. 17, 2009 nears.

The number of consumers aware of the digital TV transition has doubled in the past year, according to a new survey commissioned by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB).

Conducted in January, the survey found that 79% of respondents have "seen, read or heard something about the February 17, 2009 transition to digital television."

The figure is up substantially from January 2007, when just 38% reported being aware of the switch.

However, the Journal reported that the number of requests for government-issued coupons that America's 15.5 million analog TV households can apply for to pay for digital TV adapters -- currently pegged at more than two million -- represents less than 15% of these households.

"The first phase of our consumer education campaign has been highly successful, and our next phase will focus on helping consumers learn more about the steps they need to take to receive a digital signal," said David Rehr, president and CEO of the NAB.

Related Links:
http://snipurl.com/1ym7f (WSJ)

http://www.nab.org

http://www.dtvanswers.com