• Home
• About Amy
• Serving Minnesotans
• About Minnesota
• Issues/ Legislation
• Media Center
• Contact Amy
• FAQ

Amy in the News

Klobuchar wants to delay DTV

January 19, 2009

Fargo Forum
1/19/2009

Democratic U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia introduced a bill to delay the planned Feb. 17 digital television conversion.

"In Minnesota, more than 21 percent of our households depend exclusively on over-the-air broadcast TV," Klobuchar said. "Unless we get this right, millions could be without television on Feb. 18 – the day after the transition."

The senators said a congressionally approved delay would give the new Obama administration time to make sure the country is ready.

Cable and satellite television customers will see no difference when stations are required to switch to digital, but those using antennas – rabbit ears or roof units – must have televisions with digital tuners or converters to receive the new signals.

“Unfortunately, after guarantees that the Bush administration would adequately prepare and protect consumers, only in the last few days have they revealed that funding has run out – just weeks before the plug is pulled on analog TV," Klobuchar said.