Approximately 60 percent of public television stations have already terminated analog transmissions, and many more have conducted soft shutoff tests. Sidman spoke about the lessons learned from these experiences and how best to ensure that all Americans, especially under served populations, have access to digital television services. First, he said, on-air education is vital, and information about potential service loss and the need for rescanning converter boxes has been particularly useful. Second, local stations should staff their own help lines in addition to the national FCC helpline, so local viewers can call in for tailored assistance. Third, walk-in centers and in-home assistance should be made available during and after the transition, to provide for the elderly and underprivileged.

Finally, Sidman noted that inevitably there will be some viewers, especially in rural and mountainous regions, who won’t get the same stations they used to after the transition. He stressed that APTS is urging congress to restore the Public Telecommunications Facilities Program (PTFP) and the Rural Utilities Service’s Public Television Digital Grant Program,which have been proposed for elimination in the Administration’s FY2010 budget, so that public television stations will have access to funding to upgrade their broadcast facilities to fill service gaps. The June 3 panel also featured representatives from the National Association of Broadcasters, the National Cable and Telecommunications Associations, the Association for Maximum Service Television, and others.