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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-29-09 Community Relations CommitteeCommunity Relations Committee 2009 South Bend Common Council The January 29, 2009 meeting of the Community Relations Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, 2nd District Council Member Henry Davis, Jr., at 5 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 4d' Floor County-City Building. Persons in attendance included Council Members Ann Puzzello and Henry Davis, Jr.; Public Works Director Gary Gilot, Mikki Dobski Shidler of Communication & Special Projects, William D. Freedman, Christine Chilaneck, unidentified members of the public and news media, Jamie Loo from the South Bend Tribune, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Henry Davis, Jr. welcomed everyone to the Committee meeting. He noted that he called for the purpose of hearing an update on the digital television conversion. He stated that the members of the Community Relations Committee include Council Members White, Varner, Puzzello and himself. Council Member Davis further noted that the Committee is charged with overseeing various activities of the Office of Community and is also charged with facilitating partnerships & ongoing communications with other public and private entities. Digital Television Transition: Council Member Davis then introduced Mr. William D. Freedman, Associate Chief in the Media Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission in Washington, D.C.. Mr. William D. Freedman welcomed the opportunity to provide information from the FCC. Mr. Freedman introduced Christine Chilaneck from the FCC Office in Chicago. Mr. Freedman noted that he is making available to the public many publications to assist in the digital television transition, which included: • Digital Television Transition -February 17, 2009 -Will You Be Ready? (1 page) • FCC Consumer Facts -Troubleshooting Guide for Digital-to-Analog (2 pages) • TV Converter Box Coupon Program (2 pages) • Antennas and Digital Television- FCC Consumer Facts (2 pages) Mr. Freedman noted that many of these publications are also available in Spanish. (copies attached). Mr. Freedman noted that he wanted to highlight why the transition is taking place; who benefits from this; what viewers need to know and to clear up as many misconceptions as possible. He noted that he will be asking for a volunteer from the audience to actually hook up a converter box and will be available to address questions at the end of the meeting Community Relations Committee Meeting Minutes January 29, 2009 Page 2 The transition will result in more efficiencies. Mr. Freedman noted that in 1996 the United States Congress passed legislation requiring a 2°d digital channel for each television station under the control of the FCC. Under that federal legislation, all such television channels will stop transmitting on analog channels on February 17, 2009 and give those channels back to the FCC. First responders will be better able to communicate as a result; it will enhance advanced wireless services; there will be a better picture quality; multi-tasking will be available, etc. Mr. Freedman noted that if your television is now hooked up to cable or satellite you will not be effected by the transition from analog to digital. If you have a television with a digital tuner (look for markings "ATSC" on the television or check the owner's manual) you will not be affected. Most televisions which are less than five (5) years old are ATSC. Those individuals who are not on cable, do not have a satellite dish, and do not have a ATSC television will be affected. Those individuals most likely use rabbit ears or roof-top antennas. Mr. Freedman noted that: 11.9 % of the public nationally will be affected 19.4% of the public in the South Bend/Elkhart area will be affected Mr. Freedman noted that a standazd television with a digital turner costs about $119 fora 20" set, so people do not have to go out and purchase an expensive flat-screen tv. He also noted that purchasing a converter box is even less expensive. He suggested going to the FCC website: FCC.GOV for more information or calling the FCC at 1-888-CALL-FCC. He added that there are five (5) stations in this area which are low power television stations. Analog will pass thru the converter box and covert both full-power and lower-power stations. Mr. Freedman then reviewed the coupon program noting that $40 coupons aze available on afirst-come-first-serve basis. $1.34 billion was allocated for the coupon program and 7.2 million coupons have been issued to date, each with a 90-day expiration. Currently there are 2 million people on a waiting list for the coupons, and as those coupons which have been issued expire for non-usage they will be issued. As of this date he has no idea whether Congress will extend the February 17~` deadline or not. He noted that television is vital in light of weather emergencies. In response to questions from Council Member Puzzello, Mr. Freedman noted that a converter box runs between $50 to $75 before the $40 coupon. He added that the transition to digital will not effect cable. Mr. Freedman then did a demonstration using a volunteer from the audience to hook-up a converter box. The picture was much better as part of the demonstration. He noted that persons should periodically scan for new channels since many stations may not be at full power for a short period of time. Council Member Davis thanked Mr. Freedman for an excellent presentation. He noted that Mr. Freedman has offered to stay after the meeting to continue to address any concerns which the audience may have. Community Relations Committee Meeting Minutes January 29, 2009 Page 3 Council Member Davis then adjourned the Community Relations Committee at 5:50 p.m. Davis, Jr., Chairperson :ommittee Attachments