FCC urges Congress to take DTV action

AUSTIN (KXAN) - With the digital broadcasting transition 37 days away, the Federal Communications Commission urged Congress to funnel more money into the DTV Converter Box Coupon Program. Last week, the Department of Commerce announced that the federal coupon account had run dry. More than 100,000 names were added to a waiting list.

"Congress could end up addressing that immediately by passing a new law that would give it some additional resources," said FCC Chairman Kevin Martin. "Which is what I think should be their top priority."

Martin said the money is available, but accounting rules need to be lifted. The FCC would also like to see Congress waive the 90-day expiration date on coupons that have already been issued. A recent survey shows that 5 percent of the population is still in the dark about the transition.

It is a possibility that the DTV transition date will be pushed back as a result of the transition troubles. President-elect Barack Obama called on Congress to delay the switch last week.

"I think you could have some additional confusion from everyone's standpoint if you try to move the date at this late stage," said Martin.

Despite consumer confusion, some broadcasters said they cannot afford to slow down their switch to digital. The pricey analog transmitters will be turned off no matter what.