The National Telecommunications and Information Administration unveiled the recipients of millions in Public Telecommunications Facilities Program grants.

The grant, which is part of the Rural Utilities Service grant program, will be divided among about 20 public television broadcasters.

For 2009, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting would get $40 million for the digital television transition alone.

The FCC chairman reiterated to two key members of the House that Congress has given the National Telecommunications and Information Administration the primary responsibility for educating the public that analog sets won’t work after the February 2009 transition.

More than $2 million in grants will fund equipment purchase and installation at 20 stations by the end of this year

The action brought a swift response from John Lawson, president and CEO of the Association of Public Television Stations (APTS).

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration said more than a million consumers have requested the coupons so far.

Key members of the Senate Appropriations Committee have endorsed overturning proposed cuts in federal spending for upgrading PBS’ technology infrastructure