STATEMENT OF 
CHAIRMAN KEVIN J. MARTIN
Re:  Third Periodic Review of the Commission’s Rules and Policies Affecting the 
Conversion to Digital Television, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, MB Docket 
No. 07-91
Today we take another step in our effort to facilitate a timely digital transition.  
With this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, we begin our third periodic review to assess 
the progress of broadcast television stations as they transition from analog to digital 
systems.  We also ask broadcasters to update us on their progress toward completion of 
their own digital transition and how they plan to meet the statutory deadline for that 
transition.  The Commission will make any necessary adjustments to the Commission’s 
technical rules and policies to facilitate the transmission of digital broadcast signals by 
February 17, 2009.  It is by taking concrete steps to advance this transition that we can 
ensure that the broadcast spectrum is made available as soon as possible for critically 
important public safety needs and broadband wireless uses.  
I am hopeful that the proceeding we initiate today will assist in making the digital 
transition proceed as swiftly and smoothly as possible.