Washington, Sep 27, 2000 - Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) today announced that Cleveland's public television station, WVIZ, Channel 25, will receive a federal grant of $334,685 to allow the station to replace its analog transmitter and transmission line with new digital transmission capabilities. The grant, which will be matched by $500,000 from the station and its local supporters, was made by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, an agency of the Department of Commerce.

WVIZ is one of 103 competitive award selections nationally, having competed against 279 public television and radio stations for $25.8 million in funds aimed at helping, in part, to assist public television stations with digital conversion.

"Credit should go to WVIZ's Jerry Wareham and his able staff, who have worked for several years on this project," said Rep. Kucinich. "Channel 25 is a unique resource for northeast Ohio, and this award will go a long way to improving their broadcast quality."

Rep. Kucinich had sent a strong letter of support in favor of WVIZ's application earlier this year, and has met and spoken with a number of Department of Commerce officials about the program

For more information, please contact WVIZ at 216/739-3850.