NAB President-CEO David Rehr criticized Community Broadcasters Association  officials who were reported by Communications Daily to be threatening to "disrupt efforts to educate viewers about the [digital television] transition if their concerns aren't dealt with."

In a letter to CBA Counsel Peter Tannenwald, Rehr said: “I appreciate and share your concern that low-power television viewers without digital televisions will need to know how to access analog LPTV stations after full-power television broadcasters (and many LPTVs) end analog broadcasts and switch to all-digital transmissions on Feb. 17, 2009.”

But, he continued, “I find it unfortunate that, as NAB and others are attempting to help address and solve the problem facing LPTV viewers, CBA lashes out with threats rather than working on solutions. It is also disappointing that, as recently as four months ago, CBA in written testimony submitted to the House Telecommunications Subcommittee failed to raise this issue.

“Let me also express concern about the misimpression created by CBA on its Web site KEEPUSON.COM and in a television spot seen on that site that CBA apparently is distributing for airing on LPTV stations. The spot and the Web site say that "the ATSC-only [digital converter] boxes will block you from seeing 80 percent of the TV stations that are broadcasting in the United States." In reality, practically all of the 1,762 full-power television stations are currently broadcasting in digital, reaching virtually all U.S. television consumers. By including in its calculation low-power stations and TV translators that serve a small percentage of overall TV viewers, CBA distorts the real picture.

“That said, NAB remains ready, willing and able to offer assistance to ensure that all television audiences—both low and full power—have the information needed to maintain their regular television viewing.”

Rehr concluded his letter by saying: “In addition to the list of actions that NAB is ready to undertake, the low-power television community must share in the commitment to educate its audience via the airwaves about what steps they will need to take to maintain reception. Most importantly, low-power stations must take all necessary steps to transition to digital transmissions as soon as possible.”