The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is expanding its publicity campaign for educating the public about the digital transition.
The Commission has produced several public service announcements (PSAs) about the digital transition that it is distributing nationally to full-power television and radio stations. The FCC has 15-, 30- and 60-second radio spots with information for consumers to adequately prepare for the transition. MP3 versions can be downloaded here.
The FCC is also buying billboard space in approximately 45 of the nation’s television markets, announcing the switch from analog to digital television on Feb. 17, 2009. Billboards have already gone up in Philadelphia, Tampa, San Francisco and Seattle. The billboards are also expected to be placed on highway signs, buses and subways in the nation’s largest metropolitan areas.
In addition to the new PSAs, billboards and educational materials, the FCC’s national DTV Education and Awareness Campaign includes:
- Outreach specifically tailored to reach consumers who receive their television signals “over-the-air” via antennas, as well as those who are hard to reach and may be unaware of the upcoming transition, including senior citizens, non-English speaking and minority communities, people with disabilities, low-income individuals, and people living in rural and tribal areas.
- The creation of advisories, fact sheets and other publications to inform consumers about a variety of important DTV issues that may impact them.
- Participation in media events, conferences, town hall meetings, workshops and other public events.
- Grassroots community outreach in senior centers, libraries, retail stores and other public venues.
- Coordination with a broad range of federal, state and local entities and community stakeholders, including, for example, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Indian Affairs, state DMVs and health departments, sports leagues and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB).
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