February 17, 2009

    LANSING - Attorney General Mike Cox today reminded consumers that several Michigan television stations will switch from analog to digital broadcasts beginning Tuesday, February 17, which will cause some consumers to lose television service unless they take action quickly. 

     "There is a lot of confusion surrounding the digital conversion, and that's why I'm encouraging consumers to make sure they are ready for the switch," said Cox. "Consumers who are not sure they are ready should contact the Federal Communications Commission immediately."

     Despite recently extending the deadline for digital conversion to June 12, Congress allowed stations to begin broadcasting exclusively in digital right away under certain circumstances.  This means consumers using antennas to receive over-the-air broadcast signals on TV sets with older, analog tuners will need to obtain converter boxes as a result of the federally mandated switch to digital television.

     Because of confusion over the switch, Attorney General Cox is reminding citizens to be prepared and take action, if necessary, to avoid being left in the dark. 

     The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which is administering the digital conversion, can be contacted online at www.dtv.gov or by telephone at 888-225-5322.

     Consumers also may visit the Michigan Association of Broadcasters website for information at www.michigandtv.com.

     According to the FCC, the following stations already have registered to convert by February 17:

                ·         WILX, Channel 10 in Lansing;

                ·         WMYD, Channel 20 in Detroit; and

                ·         WPXD, Channel 31 in Ann Arbor.

     "Television is an important tool for keeping citizens informed," said Cox.  "In addition to checking their own status, I encourage consumers to check on elderly family members and neighbors who may need assistance and make sure they also are ready for the switch." 

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