SCR5: urging that federal, state, and local governments work with broadcasters and consumer groups to inform New Hampshire residents of the 2009 digital broadcast conversion.

SCR 5 – FINAL VERSION

2008 SESSION

08-2816

06/03

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 5

A RESOLUTION urging that federal, state, and local governments work with broadcasters and consumer groups to inform New Hampshire residents of the 2009 digital broadcast conversion.

SPONSORS: Sen. Burling, Dist 5; Sen. Reynolds, Dist 2; Sen. Cilley, Dist 6; Sen. Kelly, Dist 10; Sen. Foster, Dist 13; Sen. Larsen, Dist 15; Sen. DeVries, Dist 18; Sen. D'Allesandro, Dist 20; Sen. Hassan, Dist 23; Sen. Fuller Clark, Dist 24

COMMITTEE: Energy, Environment and Economic Development

ANALYSIS

This senate concurrent resolution urges the federal, state, and local governments and consumer groups to inform New Hampshire residents of the 2009 digital broadcast conversion.

08-2816

06/03

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Eight

A RESOLUTION urging that federal, state, and local governments work with broadcasters and consumer groups to inform New Hampshire residents of the 2009 digital broadcast conversion.

Whereas, as of February 17, 2009 each broadcaster licensed by the Federal Communications Commission is federally mandated to turn off its analog signal and broadcast exclusively in digital format, providing high definition programming, better pictures, better sound, and more channels; and

Whereas, consumers who receive television via broadcast only could lose reception on older analog television sets unless they take steps to upgrade; and

Whereas, all residents in New Hampshire make better citizens if they are able to receive New Hampshire-based news and information; and

Whereas, New Hampshire has a significant population who receive television broadcasts through broadcast only, without cable or satellite service; and

Whereas, the federal government, through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, is distributing up to two $40 coupons per American household to help consumers with the cost of upgrading older sets with digital television converter boxes; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives, concurring:

That the New Hampshire general court urges the federal government, the state government, and the various local governments in New Hampshire to work with the broadcasting industry and consumer groups to develop plans to educate consumers about the transition to digital broadcasting so that no consumer is left unprepared, by lack of information, for the digital broadcast transition; and

That the New Hampshire general court urges elected officials at all levels of government to take a strong interest in educating their constituents about the digital broadcast transition; and

That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the New Hampshire Congressional delegation, the legislative body of each municipality in the state, the New Hampshire Municipal Association, the commissioner of the department of resources and economic development, the executive council, and the New Hampshire telecommunications planning and development advisory committee.

Effective: April 16, 2008