Dingell Schedules Hearing on DTV Transition

By Ira Teinowitz

House Energy & Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell is still unhappy with the pace of the digital TV transition, and he’s scheduling a hearing to discuss it.

The powerful Michigan Democrat today announced that the hearing of the committee’s telecom panel will be held Feb. 13, a little more than a year before the country’s Feb. 17, 2009, switch from analog broadcasting.

“Right now, I am not confident that government agencies, retailers, broadcasters and all other stakeholders are taking all the steps necessary to ensure consumers are adequately informed and ready for this transition,” Mr. Dingell said in a statement. He added that the committee wants “to ensure consumers are not left behind.”

“As the one-year countdown to the DTV transition approaches, it’s time to make sure every American household will be able to take advantage of the great benefits this transition promises,” he said.

Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass., head of the telecom panel , said the hearing will be an opportunity “to check in” on progress.

“With just a year to go, we want this transition to be as smooth as possible for American consumers,” he said.