FCC Extends Deadline for DTV Impact Comments

The FCC has given broadcasters an extra month to comment on a commission inquiry launched in May to investigate the impact that the analog shutoff will affect consumers.

NAB had requested a 60 day delay to give it more time to conduct factual research studies, but the commission gave the association only 30 extra days, extending the comment deadline to Aug. 11 and reply deadline to Sept. 7.

The commission is looking at new ways to expedite the analog shutdown, including a plan that would count cable subscribers that receive a digital signal that has been converted to cable. The NAB opposes the proposal plan, accusing the commission of pursing a scenario that would strand millions of analog-only viewers.