Remarks of Chairman Kevin J. Martin 
Digital Television Consumer Education Workshop Focusing on Seniors
FCC Headquarters
Washington, DC
November 8, 2007
I would like to thank all of you for coming here today to the Commission’s second 
workshop focused on the digital television transition.  Today’s workshop, like the ones 
that will soon follow, is about how we can best reach those consumers that may be most 
affected by the digital transition.  Our specific focus today is exploring ways in which we 
can effectively educate senior citizens about the upcoming transition.  
In the upcoming months we will explore how we can target other communities that 
are disproportionately impacted by the transition and likely to be least aware of it.  These 
communities include the disabled, low-income earners, those living in rural areas, and 
minorities and non-English speakers.  
The Commission’s highest priority is protecting the American consumer.  We intend 
to take whatever actions are necessary to minimize the potential burden the digital 
transition could impose on consumers and maximize their ability to benefit from it.  
We have been using several means of ensuring that senior citizens are aware of the 
transition and understand what steps they need to take in order to continue watching 
television when analog broadcasting ends.  
For example, by using our field offices throughout the country, we have disseminated 
DTV materials to over 1800 senior centers, senior organizations, and community groups
in 36 states.  We have held approximately 130 DTV Awareness Sessions throughout the 
country and have more planned.  With respect to the news media, we have worked 
closely with a variety of outlets to disseminate information about the transition through 
television, radio, and print. For example, I recently did an interview about the transition 
on AARP radio and was interviewed by AARP’s magazine for its upcoming issue that 
will feature a story on the digital transition.  And, earlier this week, I did a Public Service 
Announcement (PSA) with Retirement Living TV which targets its programming to 
seniors and reaches nearly 30 million homes nationwide.  Finally, we have developed 
partnerships with numerous consumer groups and federal and state agencies that are 
focused on the needs of senior citizens.
In addition to educating seniors about the upcoming transition, we are using our 
enforcement authority to protect them.  Specifically, we have devoted significant 
resources to enforcing our labeling requirements which require retailers to place a 
warning near analog televisions informing consumers that these sets may not work after 
February 17, 2009 without a converter box. We plan to work closely with the NTIA and 
the FTC to mitigate potential scams that may target the elderly once the coupon program 
is initiated.  The Commission is committed to investigating, or assisting other law 
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enforcement agencies in investigating, opportunistic individuals or companies preying on 
unsuspecting seniors and other vulnerable customers.  We will use the same resolve in 
this area as we have demonstrated in enforcing our labeling requirements.  
Despite the fact that we have been busy working to educate senior citizens about the 
transition, I recognize that our efforts alone will fall short.  This is why it is so important 
that we talk to all of you today.  We need to work together to reach the greatest 
percentage possible of the elderly community.  A successful completion of the digital 
transition depends upon government and industry working together to promote consumer 
awareness and minimize the burdens borne by consumers. 
I know that all of us in this room are united in a single goal - protecting consumers by 
ensuring they are aware of and prepared for the digital transition.  I look forward to 
hearing your concerns, ideas and thoughts about how we can best work together to make 
sure all Americans benefit from the digital revolution.  I hope that this workshop is a 
productive one that allows us to strengthen existing partnerships and create new ones.  
Thanks to all of you for participating in our conference today.