491 stations still shutting off analog TV next week
By Richard Lawler 
posted Feb 11th 2009 2:53PM
posted Feb 11th 2009 2:53PM
Though the prez still hasn't signed off on the delay, the FCC has already compiled a list of 190 TV stations going / gone all digital prior to February 17, plus 491 more that will go ahead with the shutoff as previously scheduled. The four major networks promised their stations will stay on analog until the new June 12 deadline, however that guarantee only extends to the 100 or so they own. If that's not confusing enough, the FCC could still influence broadcasters to keep analog signals going whether they want to or not based on "the public interest," for example if it's necessary to keep at least some stations on in any given market. As it stands, the linked PDFs below will reveal which, if any, of your local broadcasters are switching on Tuesday; hopefully you've followed our advice so far and continue to avoid any predatory schemes.Read - Appendix A (List of all stations ending analog service before or on February 17)
Read - Appendix B (List of all full power TV stations, with the 681 stations ending service on or before February 17 indicated in bold)
here's a link to other versions of the list including txt and xls for people who want sorting
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/Query.do?numberFld=DA-09-221&numberFld2=&docket=&dateFld=&docTitleDesc=
We had the GM of one of our stations say in the paper that they would stick with the 17th, and that they had heard the majority of Arizona stations would do the same. Then 2 days later, another story runs that all of our local stations decided it was 'in their best interests' to wait, this coming after the first story talked about the thousands in extra power bills they couldn't afford to pay.
Well at least my area is switching, good riddance analog!
He hasn't signed it yet?
less than one week left. It does him no good to sign the day after stations have to comply with current law. Nothing like short notice.
What is he waiting for? This was all his idea, did he forget?
Maybe it was all posturing and he had no intention to delay. Just wanted to say - "well we tried."
What the heck does Nite Lite mean??
It means they broadcast DTV PSAs and nothing else on their analog signal.
No programming, just an "if you see this, you need a converter box." message.
It means they broadcast DTV PSAs and nothing else.
No programming, just an "if you see this, you need a converter box." message.
While watchin the tube last night, I noticed that one of the local channels is still going ahead with the switch on the 17th. That's nothing special. What's worth noting is that they are still running the same ads stating that everyone is going digital on the 17th, and they make absolutely no reference to the delayed govt date and that some channels will stay on the analog side of the fence for a while. No confusion here.
I noticed the same thing, Thunderdome. Locally I have an ABC 6 and FOX 28 (sister stations). Fox is transitioning on the 17th and ABC is waiting. However, it may work well for everyone because they broadcast a lot of the same things. ABC will have the opportunity to tell everyone watching "If you can't see our sister station, you need a converter box." Which, in the next 6 months could prove advantageous for consumers without a box that need one. They will see, with no doubt, that they need a converter but won't be cut off completely until June.