That's according to an article by Broadcasting & Cable Magazine.
President Obama last week signed into law a bill that moves the mandatory Digital TV switch date from today to June 12. But the FCC permitted some local TV stations to switch early.
B&C reports that roughly 36 percent of local stations will have gone all-digital today; approximately 220 stations had already made the switch to digital signals.
Some analysts have opined that the early switch will confuse consumers who were just told that the transition date had been moved to June. Nielsen estimates that approximately 6-7 million homes have not prepared for the transition by purchasing a digital converter box, a Digital TV or signing up for a pay TV service.
Responding to a possible fallout from the early switch to digital, the FCC has expanded its 'DTV Help Line' call center and it has sent staffers to 72 markets where local stations are switching early.
"This is not just about whether people can watch their favorite reality show," said acting FCC Chairman Michael Copps, according to B&C. "It's about whether consumers have access to vital emergency alerts, weather, news and public affairs."
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