Gov. Gregoire�s statement on conversion to all-digital television broadcasting

For Immediate Release: December 30, 2008

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today released the following statement on the upcoming broadcast conversion from analog to digital, set to happen February 17, 2009:

�Our recent snow storms serve as a strong reminder of how important it is to get critical information to every community fast and efficiently. With many families relying on their local television news stations as their source for information, I want to remind all Washingtonians that the federal government is requiring all full-power television stations to convert to a digital signal this February. Without the appropriate equipment, the conversion may prevent some households from seeing a picture on their television.

�If you have an older TV and currently get your programs through an antenna, you will need a digital-to-analog converter box to watch your television. The US Department of Commerce is offering each household up to two $40 coupons for the purchase of a converter box to help off-set costs.

�If you have purchased a newer TV to receive the digital signal, please consider donating your older television to a local charity or non-profit, or recycling it. Through our state�s E-Cycle Washington program, you can drop your old TV at one of more than 200 collection sites state-wide. This will prevent your television from ending up in a nearby landfill, which will protect people and the environment from the serious health effects of toxic chemicals.�