Federal Communications Commission FCC 09-2   
STATEMENT OF
COMMISIONER JONATHAN S. ADELSTEIN
RE: Implementation of Short-term Analog Flash and Emergency Readiness Act; 
Establishment of DTV Transition “Analog Nightlight” Program, MB Docket No. 08-
255
With less than 35 days left before the digital television transition deadline, time is not 
on our side and the outlook could not be more troubling.  So today, we approve this Order
establishing a post-transition, analog nightlight service with a grave sense of urgency and
necessity.  
Based on the shortcomings of the converter box coupon program, we know millions 
of viewers and households will simply not be prepared on February 17th.  The analog 
nightlight service we authorize today is an effort to minimize the detrimental impact on 
analog TV-reliant viewers, ensuring that they will have access to public safety and 
emergency services information.  Nightlight stations also will serve as a guiding beacon 
toward the new world of DTV and will help people find their way.
I fully support the creation of a streamlined mechanism to encourage the more than 
820 pre-approved television stations in over 200 designated television markets and Puerto 
Rico to continue providing analog service after the DTV transition.  I am also pleased we are 
encouraging other stations to apply for authorization by making the nightlight service flexible 
and minimally burdensome. And while we are requiring DTV transition information to be in 
Spanish and English, I am particularly pleased we also are encouraging participating stations 
to provide on-air information in additional languages that may serve local viewers. 
While I continue to believe the DTV transition is not ready for primetime – since 
Congress established the hard deadline there has been a lack of federal leadership, 
organization and coordination, I nevertheless would like to highlight that there are scores of 
talented and committed FCC employees here at headquarters and in the field working every 
day to ensure that the transition is smooth for all Americans.  These dedicated public servants 
understand that at the end of the day, the success of this transition should be measured by the 
experience of each individual person or household.  From personal experience, I know that 
FCC staff are doing their best to make sure that everyone with whom they interact and every 
project to which they are assigned is met with the highest quality of service and integrity.