NJBA Weekly Newsletter Friday, December 12, 2008 

SPECIAL ALERT  –  SPECIAL ALERT  –  SPECIAL ALERT  

FCC REQUESTS “Soft Tests” from New Jersey TV Stations

The FCC is requesting as many TV stations as possible to agree to a DTV “Soft Test” on December 17, 2008 and January 17, 2009.  

If December 17 is impractical, PLEASE CONSIDER THE JANUARY 17 TEST DATE! 

Below are additional details. (I know they’re late. I told them this but they said they would like as many New Jersey State TV stations to participate, even at this late date.) 

Please consider the FCC’s request and respond to Paul Rotella, protella@njba.com by return email if you are able to participate on either (or both) of the dates. 

REMEMBER: The more viewers who are aware of the upcoming switch, the fewer complaints we will receive when it actually happens. The FCC will appreciate whoever is willing to participate!

The FCC is coordinating a nationwide soft test to be held on December 17, at 7:30 p.m. (in each time zone). This test should be a minimum of 5 minutes in length.

1. These tests should be preceded by consumer awareness segments on the stations that explain the purpose and impact of the soft test.

2. While this test should absolutely be held at 7:30 p.m., it is very effective to also conduct these tests at differing time periods during the day: early morning, mid-day, early evening to ensure that the entire viewing audience is reached. However, the 7:30 p.m. time period is what we're coordinating nationally.

3. The absolute minimum time period for these tests should be five minutes.

4. The slate, or programming featured during this time period could either be an instructional slate (text) with voice-over for the blind. Or, an educational program that walks viewers through the actions they need to take in order to be prepared.

5. The slate or programming CANNOT just route impacted viewers to the FCC call center. The broadcasters can decide to take phone calls locally, or to provide the type of programming that instructs viewers without the need for a phone call. It may be possible to provide an FCC call center number at the end of an instructional program, if it is given within the context of calling in the future (during "business hours") if you still have questions.

If broadcasters don't have the infrastructure to answer calls, I would encourage them to search for other local options for viewers - maybe the PBS stations can handle the calls, maybe the local 211 service or another local call-in number can be utilized. Having a mechanism for viewers to respond locally and have questions answered locally is critical - information should be flowing in both directions at the local level. Staffing for a local call center should be coordinated among the many local stakeholders.

6. If broadcasters can't facilitate a soft test due to technical issues, a substitute option would be a block program that is dedicated to the digital transition. This is a fallback position and not the preferred option. A block program, in this context, requires all the full-power broadcasters (LPTV as well, if possible) provide DTV educational programming during the exact same time (7:30 p.m. local). That approach "blocks" viewers from switching channels to getting other programming to view. The downside to block programming is that it goes out to all viewers including those who are already prepared for the transition.

7. The key message for the educational programming will be: Order your converter box coupons now. You may want to add something regarding "coupons should be requested immediately in order to give you enough time to receive the coupons, purchase coupon eligible converter boxes, and troubleshoot any problems." Additional programming about installation, coverage areas, rescanning, etc. will also be encouraged.

THE NJBA… AT WORK FOR YOU!