ION Media Networks, with NBC O&Os, Telemundo and APTS, to Spearhead Analog Shut-Off Tests

Business Wire, Oct 21, 2008

Stations Partnering to Ensure Consumer Preparedness and Smooth Transition to DTV for February 17 Shut-Off

ASO Testing to Be Conducted in Multiple Markets Including New York, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and Hartford

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- In response to a request made to ION by Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein to organize a DTV Transition testing campaign across the country, ION Media Networks, along with NBC Universal, Telemundo, and members of the Association of Public Television Stations, will spearhead analog shut-off (ASO) tests - planned as temporary interruptions of the over-the-air signals - in multiple major markets, including New York, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and Hartford, Conn. These tests are in preparation for the February 17, 2009 government mandated analog shut-off and transition to digital television. Nearly all broadcasters, cable operators and satellite providers have joined in the effort.

The ASO tests, which are designed to ensure consumer DTV preparedness and a smooth transition to DTV, will begin in New York City, with a two minute shutdown between 5:59 and 6:01 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28. Participating New York metropolitan area stations include:

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Subsequent one minute tests will take place in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, December 2, and two 30-minute tests in Hartford on Wednesday, December 3. In addition, the broadcast partners will participate in existing tests being conducted across the country, like San Francisco, Philadelphia, and other areas with varied population densities and terrains.

"With a little over one hundred days left to the national shutdown, it is critical that broadcasters unite, making a concerted effort to properly educate and prepare consumers well ahead of the deadline," said Brandon Burgess, Chairman and CEO, ION Media Networks. "By addressing viewers' concerns early through these tests and our ongoing education campaign, we are ensuring that no viewer will be left behind."

In September, ION Media and its partners extended an invitation to broadcasters, cable companies, satellite providers, and relevant broadcast associations across the country to participate in the testing and to help generate elevated consumer awareness. Participation has been strong across all designated markets; additional outreach continues and a list of upcoming markets will be announced once confirmed.

ASO Test Details:

Participating stations will turn off their analog broadcasts on specified dates for varied lengths of time during the analog shut-off tests. Messaging will vary depending on the market, but may include slates and audio notifying viewers whether or not they are digitally connected. Should they require further preparation, additional on-screen graphics and audio will inform viewers to call a designated hotline and will provide them with several options for receiving more information about preparing for the end of analog broadcasting on February 17, 2009, including direction to the FCC website, www.DTV.gov. Some stations have elected to include associated audio and message slates in other languages such as Spanish.

The Metropolitan Television Alliance, LLC is establishing the consumer hotline, in close cooperation with the FCC. Saul Shapiro, President of the Alliance, said, "The New York broadcasters have made an enormous commitment to ensure that consumers are ready for the transition. This analog shut-off test is another major step in making sure our viewers are prepared well before February 17."

Background on Analog Shut-Off:

The decision to convert from analog television to digital began in 1996 when Congress authorized the distribution of an additional broadcast channel to each TV broadcast station to free up parts of the increasingly scarce broadcast spectrum for public safety use and new wireless service opportunities. Later, Congress mandated that February 17, 2009 would be the last day for full-power stations to broadcast in analog. After the transition deadline, consumers will have to swap their analog televisions for digital TV sets, subscribe to cable, or attach digital converter boxes to their analog TVs in order to receive a signal. The purpose of the shut-off tests conducted by ION Media and accompanying broadcasters is to provide real-time alerts to consumers to increase their DTV readiness and present valuable data to broadcasters, cable and satellite companies, the FCC, National Telecommunications and Information Administration and Congress about consumer and industry response.

About ION Media Networks

ION Media Networks, Inc. owns and operates the nation's largest broadcast television station group and ION Television, which reaches over 94 million U.S. television households via its nationwide broadcast television, cable and satellite distribution systems, and features popular TV series and movies from the award-winning libraries of RHI Entertainment, CBS Television, NBC Universal, Sony Pictures Television, Twentieth Television and Warner Bros., among others. Using its digital multicasting capability, the Company has launched several digital TV brands, including qubo, a channel for children focusing on literacy and values, and ION Life, a channel dedicated to active living and personal growth. It also has launched Open Mobile Ventures Corporation (OMVION), a business unit focused on the research and development of portable, mobile and out-of-home transmission technology using over-the-air digital television spectrum. For more information, visit www.ionmedia.com.