Digital TV Transition UpdateTHE CITY OF Dubuque
a
DUB E
1 1
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
2007
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Digital TV Transition Update
DATE: February 11, 2009
Cable TV Coordinator Craig Nowack is providing information on the digital television
transition.
Mich el C. Van Milligen
MCVM/jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Craig Nowack, Cable TV Coordinator
THE CITY OF _~
DuB ~ ~ E
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
MEMORANDUM
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Craig Nowack, Cable TV CoordinatorL
DATE: February 11, 2009
RE: Digital TV Transition Update
Dubuque
AlaAmerica City
e;
2007
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide an update on the digital television transition.
BACKGROUND
The digital television transition was supposed to occur by February 17, 2009, the date by which
all full-power television stations were to cease broadcasting in analog. At the urging of the
Obama administration, both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives approved a bill to
delay the date by which analog transmissions must end to June 12, 2009. As yet, the President
has not signed that bill into law.
The new legislation gives stations the ability to end analog transmissions any time before June
12 with FCC approval. Last week, most of the stations serving Dubuque announced they would
terminate their analog signals on February 17. Subsequent to that announcement, KCRG re-
considered and announced it would continue its analog signal until the June 12 deadline.
Because Dubuque's terrain makes it difficult to receive over-the-air television signals, the digital
television transition is not expected to have a major impact on city residents. Local area
manager Kathy McMullen has told me that Mediacom is ready for local stations to terminate
their analog signals so cable subscribers will not suffer any loss of signals. Today Mediacom
issued a press release, a copy of which is attached, indicating that they will provide "free
installation and free basic cable service until June 12 to households that do not have the ability
to receive over-the-air broadcast signals." The tier being offered at no charge is the broadcast
basic package that includes all local broadcast stations, public television stations, local PEG
access channels, and several other channels.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
This memorandum is for information purposes only. No action is required at this time.
cc: Randy Gehl, Public Information Officer
Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Mediacom
For Immediate Release
Mediacom Extends Free Basic Cable Service to Over-the-Air Viewers;
Complimentary service during gap when many TV stations shut-off analog
transmission
February 10, 2009 -Cedar Rapids, IA - As hundreds of television stations plan to eliminate
analog broadcasts after February 17, Mediacom will provide free installation and free basic
cable service until June 12 to households that do not have the ability to receive over-the-air
broadcast signals. Mediacom's offer is intended to reduce the confusion that consumers may
have regarding the broadcast digital transition.
Last week, Congress passed a bill delaying the Digital Transition until June 12, but the new
legislation allows station owners to proceed with plans to cut off analog broadcasts before June,
creating a situation that could potentially disrupt the ability of over-the-air viewers to see
numerous local TV channels after February 17.
Mediacom officials say they want to help eliminate potential for disruption and provide a simple,
no-cost solution that will help consumers retain viewing access to a full line-up of local
broadcast stations.
"This eliminates uncertainties for people who are on the backlogged waiting lists for government
coupons," said Doug Frank, Mediacom's regional vice president. "In addition, it gives a group of
consumers a rare opportunity to `test drive' cable television service without any long-term
obligation or costs. Mediacom's free service through June 12 includes installation, and there's
no extra equipment to purchase or lease."
As a result of the Congressional action that President Obama is expected to sign, the long-
planned Digital Transition will change from a single cut-off date into a prolonged transition that
will take place between February 17 and June 12. During those four months, Frank explained,
analog television signals will gradually disappear from the marketplace as local stations
transition to all-digital broadcasts.
Mediacom's free service applies to the broadcast basic or "limited" channel line-up which gives
households up to 20 channels that include all local broadcast stations, public television stations
and several other channels. Those who take advantage of this free basic cable service will
have it available at no cost through June 12. To order, call 1-800-332-0245.
Mediacom Communications is the nation's 8th largest cable television company and is one of the
leading cable operators focused on serving the smaller cities and towns in the United States.
Mediacom Communications offers a wide array of broadband products and services, including
traditional video services, digital television, video-on-demand, digital video recorders, high-
definition television, high-speed Internet access and phone service.
###
Contact: Phyllis Peters
Communications Director
515-246-2295 or
515-707-7148