IT'S OFFICIAL: WILMINGTON TO LEAD DTV TRANSITION

Representatives of Wilmington, N.C. broadcasters joined FCC Chairman Kevin Martin Thursday at the FCC for the official announcement, widely anticipated, that the 135^th DMA would serve as the test of the upcoming analog-to-digital television transition.

The commercial broadcasters—WWAY (ABC), WSFX (Fox), WECT (NBC), WILM-LP (CBS), and W51CW (Trinity Broadcasting)—have voluntarily agreed to turn off their analog signals at noon on Sept. 8 and broadcast only digital signals to their viewers in the five North Carolina counties that make up this television market.

Representatives of each local affiliate, Donna Barrett, president-CEO of Southeastern Media Holdings, (WSFX), Andy Combs, station manager of WWAY, Jim Goodmon, president-CEO of Capitol Broadcasting (WILM-LP), Paul McTear, president-CEO of Raycom Media (WECT) and Colby May, Esq. on behalf of Trinity Broadcasting (W51CW) made the announcement along with the Mayor of Wilmington, Bill Saffo,  and the president-CEO of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, Connie Majure-Rhett.

In making the announcement, Martin said: "On March 3, 2008, my colleague, Commissioner Michael Copps, suggested that the commission engage in real-world experience readying broadcasters and consumers in advance of the upcoming digital transition, including test markets that would switch to all-digital service before February 17, 2009.  I commend the Wilmington broadcasters for their pioneer spirit to go first to help the entire country prepare for the final transition to digital on February 17, 2009.  This experience will help us to spot issues that we need to address elsewhere in the country before next February.”

The FCC identified Wilmington as one of a limited number of potential test markets to test the transition because all the commercial stations in the market have already completed construction of their DTV channels and are operating at full post-transition power. The Wilmington PBS station, WUNJ, will continue broadcasting in both analog and digital. One other low-power station has its digital channel assignment, but will continue broadcasting an analog signal.

The FCC said it will use the test market as an opportunity to work very closely in advance with broadcasters, viewers, cable companies and others who will be affected to anticipate and address any problems.

The commission is also coordinating with NTIA and local retailers to be sure that digital-to-analog converter boxes are readily available in local stores for consumers who rely on over-the-air service and have analog televisions.