GPB Television Goes Digital February 17

GEORGIA PUBLIC BROADCASTING TELEVISION
WILL TRANSITION TO DIGITAL ON FEBRUARY 17

Georgia Public Broadcasting Television, the PBS station serving all of Georgia with nine transmitters across the state, will end analog operations as originally scheduled on February 17. GPB’s new digital transmitters will go on the air at higher power shortly after Midnight on Wednesday, February 18.

Although the national transition from analog to digital television has been delayed until June 12, the FCC is allowing stations under certain circumstances to transition earlier. After assessing the cost of maintaining a failing analog system until June 12 and the capability to improve the quality of its digital service to viewers, GPB officials determined that it was best to move forward with the digital transition as originally scheduled.

“GPB is committed to being good stewards of our member funding for programming and state funding for equipment enhancements that will make digital broadcasting possible,” said GPB Acting Executive Director Bonnie Bean. “One of GPB’s primary goals in the decision to move ahead with digital transition is to assure the continued reliability and enhanced quality of our services to Georgians.”

Since the national digital conversion was announced, GPB has conducted significant outreach with various community groups and the Federal Communications Commission to ensure that all Georgians are prepared for digital conversion. GPB remains committed to this effort and will continue to educate viewers about issues involved with digital conversion, including converter box connection, updates on the national coupon program and antenna and reception issues. GPB will also continue to promote its expanded PBS and local programming content available through its two new digital networks, GPB Knowledge, launched in the fall of 2008 and GPB Kids, launched in January of this year.

Viewers with questions about digital conversion issues can visit GPB’s website at www.gpb.org/digital or contact GPB via phone at 1.800.222.4788 or email at ask@gpb.org. Viewer mail should be directed to GPB Member and Audience Services, 260 14th Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30318.

Congress Extends Deadline for Digital Conversion to June 12

Congress has extended the deadline for digital conversion to June 12. Stay tuned to GPB for more information and get ready! Visit gpb.org/digital