Bush Proposes More Money for Digital TV
But a key Democrat says it's not enough.
By Swanni
That's according to an article by Broadcasting & Cable Magazine.
The $20 million request, contained in the president's 2008 fiscal budget, would be a step up from the $2.5 million the FCC is currently allocated for consumer education, reports B&C.
But Rep. John Dingell, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, criticized the president's new request, saying the transition shouldn't be done "on the cheap."
"While the President’s proposed budget would increase the Federal Communications Commission’s budget for consumer outreach about the digital television transition," he said, "I am concerned about the size of the increase."
On February 17, 2009, all local broadcasters must switch their analog signals to digital which means viewers will need a Digital TV, a digital converter box or a pay TV subscription to watch television.
Dingell and other congressional lawmakers have expressed concerned about the federal educational program, saying seniors and low-income residents may not get the word about the transition.
The FCC is expected to use the funds for educational materials and media outreach programs, among other projects.
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