(Washington, DC) - President Obama signed legislation delaying the Digital Television (DTV) Transition into law last night.  The bill, S. 352, postpones the transition set for February 17 for four months until June 12, 2009.  Congressman Baron Hill is an original cosponsor of the House companion of this bill, H.R. 681.  And, he supported such legislation when it came before the U.S. House of Representatives on two occasions. 

“The converter box coupon program is out of money, folks are being issued already-expired coupons, and in general, many rural households and those headed by seniors are underprepared for the transition,” Hill said. “Delaying the DTV Transition is the only option at this point.”

S. 352 contains critical provisions championed by Hill.  For example, the legislation extends the expiration date for converter box coupons until October 31, 2009.  It would permit consumers who never redeemed coupons to reapply for replacement coupons, provided that no household can redeem more than two coupons.  After hearing about Southern Indiana residents who were receiving already-expired coupons in the mail, Hill raised these concerns with the leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee. 
 “I’m pleased the President signed this bill into law in such a timely manner,” Hill said. “Consumers should not be penalized for things entirely out of their control.”

The bill does, however, allow stations to apply for permission to switch on the original date -- at the end of the day Tuesday -- or any time before June 12. Some smaller and medium-sized markets and stations have requested and received waivers to switch as scheduled, and not wait for June.