Federal Communications Commission FCC 08-281
STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER ROBERT M. McDOWELL
RE: Implementation of Short-term Analog Flash and Emergency Readiness Act; Establishment of DTV 
Transition “Analog Nightlight” Program, MB Docket No. 08-255
I am pleased to support this effort to quickly implement the Short-term Analog Flash and 
Emergency Readiness (“SAFER”) Act, which will permit certain full-power television stations to continue 
limited analog broadcasts after the February 17, 2009, deadline for the nation’s transition to digital 
television (“DTV”).  Congress has directed the Commission to swiftly provide a program to help those 
American TV households caught unprepared by the digital transition by allowing television stations 
technically capable of continuing to broadcast an analog signal after February 17 (that does not interfere 
with all the new DTV signals) to air analog messages limited to DTV education and public safety 
information until March 19, 2008.  We all hope that these messages will significantly assist those TV 
viewers who rely solely on rabbit-ear or rooftop antennas with soon-to-be-outmoded analog sets to obtain 
television service. 
“Analog nightlight” programming can – and, to my way of thinking, should – provide more than 
just general information about the transition.  Rather, I hope to see the “nightlight” stations provide their 
local audiences with specific information about such matters as obtaining converter boxes, re-positioning 
antennas, and how they can obtain further one-on-one assistance.  I look forward to working with the 
industry to rapidly finalize plans for phone banks that will provide viewers with helpful information in the 
most direct and accessible manner possible.
I also note that our initial engineering analysis indicates that many local communities may have no 
station eligible to provide “nightlight” service.  Our analysis is a conservative one, however, which means 
that at least some stations in those markets may be able to find a technical way around potential interference 
issues.  For this reason, I strongly support the Notice’s call for stations in such communities to seriously 
consider whether they can, in fact, address the need and submit engineering showings to make their service 
possible.  
Finally, as I have said before, although we are striving to smooth the way for the DTV transition, 
it is likely to be messy for those who, by choice or circumstance, must depend on converter boxes to keep 
TV service in their homes.  I continue to encourage everyone to join government and industry to help 
those most at risk of being left behind when the change comes:  the elderly, the infirm, low-income 
individuals, and non-English speakers.  People should not wait until February 17 to help themselves and 
their neighbors, friends, and family get ready for DTV.  I particularly urge those who don’t need the 
government subsidy not to wait on that process before purchasing a converter box for themselves or as a 
gift for someone else.  During the weeks it takes for the government to process coupon requests, you will 
lose precious time to hook up the box, check antenna connections, and start enjoying free digital 
broadcast TV right away.