Federal Communications Commission  FCC 07-69
STATEMENT OF 
CHAIRMAN KEVIN J. MARTIN
Re: Second Periodic Review of the Commission’s Rules and Policies Affecting the Conversion to 
Digital Television (MB Docket No. 03-15)
One of the Commission’s most important responsibilities as the digital transition draws near is to 
make sure that consumers are aware of its approach.  The Order we adopt today requires retailers to 
disclose to consumers that a television with only an analog tuner will not receive over-the-air 
broadcast signals after February 17, 2009.   Such notice should ensure that consumers are making a 
fully informed decision about the television that they seek to purchase before bringing it home.  It 
will also help educate consumers about the upcoming digital transition.  
As of March 1, 2007, all television receivers manufactured or shipped in the United States must 
have a digital tuner that is capable of receiving digital broadcast signals.  Nevertheless, retailers today 
have an existing inventory of televisions with only analog tuners that they hope to sell.  Consumers 
may not know that the television on the store shelf today may not be capable of receiving broadcast 
signals in 2009.  This is critical information that customers both need and deserve to know.  
Through this and the other rulemaking items that we adopt today, the Commission is dedicated to 
minimizing the negative impact of the digital transition.  Consumers have certain expectations and 
one of their expectations is that the television that they purchase today will also work two years from 
now.  We will be vigilant in ensuring adherence to the rules we adopt today.  The successful 
completion of the digital transition depends upon the government and industry working together in 
promoting consumer awareness and ensuring that consumers are not the ones bearing its costs.