PUBLIC NOTICE Federal Communications Commission 445 12th St., S.W. Washington, D.C. 20554 News Media Information 202 / 418-0500 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov TTY: 1-888-835-5322 DA 07-2427 Released Date: June 8, 2007 FCC ANNOUNCES THE RECHARTERING OF THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Committee to Focus on Matters Pertaining to the Digital Television Transition In this Public Notice the Federal Communications Commission (“Commission”) announces the rechartering and principal functions of its Intergovernmental Advisory Committee (“IAC”). FUNCTIONS Digital Transition. A principal focus of the IAC for this 2-year term will be the nation’s transition to digital television (DTV) as the Commission continues its efforts to assist consumers in understanding and preparing for the transition which, by law, must be completed by February 17, 2009. Collaboration and coordination with local, state and tribal governments is crucial to the Commission’s goal of ensuring that all consumers, especially elderly, low-income, people with disabilities, people living in rural areas and non- English speaking consumers, are aware of the transition and understand what specific steps, if any, they must take to continue watching television after the transition is complete on February 17, 2009. The Commission looks forward to the valuable insights that the IAC will provide about working effectively with our local, state and tribal partners to educate consumers about the DTV transition. Other Topics. Other topics to be addressed by the IAC include, but are not limited to, homeland security and public safety; impact of new and emerging technologies, provision of telecommunications services in rural and underserved areas, broadband deployment, access by persons with disabilities and consumer education and outreach generally. MISSION The IAC, comprised of 15 representatives from local, state and tribal governments, advises the Commission on a range of telecommunications issues for which their governments explicitly or inherently share responsibility or administration with the Commission. The IAC is eligible for the intergovernmental exemption from the Federal Advisory Committee 2 Act (FACA), 5 U.S.C., App 2 (1998).1 The IAC operates for a 2-year term, with an option for reauthorization at the end of the two-year period. APPOINTMENT OF IAC CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS The 15 members of the IAC (or their designated employees) are appointed in the following categories: (1) four elected municipal officials (city mayors and city council members); (2) two elected county officials (county commissioners or council members); (3) one elected or appointed local government attorney; (4) one elected state executive (governor or lieutenant governor; (5) three elected state legislators; (6) one elected or appointed public utilities or public service commissioner; and (7) three elected or appointed native American tribal representatives. The members of the IAC, including the Chairperson, will be named in a future Public Notice which will also announce the date and time of the IAC’s first meeting. ACCESSIBLE FORMATS To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities (Braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-0530 (voice) or (202) 418-0432 (TTY). For further information contact: Robert Somers, Acting Chief, Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, (202) 418-1483 (voice) or 1-800-835-5322 (TTY), robert.somers@fcc.gov (e-mail) or Carmen Scanlon, Attorney Advisor, Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, (202) 418-0544 (voice) or 1-800- 835-5322 (TTY), carmen.scanlon@fcc.gov (e-mail). 1 See 2 U.S.C. § 1534(b).