DTV Transition Commercials?

Question

I was just wondering who/which group pays for all of the DTV Transition/Digital Switchover commercials on TV?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Mostly, the US government. The cable companies are required to help with the costs and provide the airtime to show the commercials, but over all, the Government is the one that said the switch had to be made, so they are paying most of the bill. They are also the ones giving out the coupons for $40 off a new box if you buy your own.

Answer 2

Good Question!

Actually, they are Public Service Announcements which means the local station is donating time it could have sold to advertisers.  So, the cost is coming out of the TV stations' pockets.

Congress was concerned that the public was not aware the change was coming so they directed the FCC to require broadcasters to devote a minimum amount of time to educating the public about DTV.  Stations must report their efforts on FCC form 388 and face penalties if they don't meet the requirements.  http://www.fcc.gov/Forms/Form388/388.doc

I hope this helps.  Please return and choose a Best Answer from all of those submitted.

Answer 3

RT is spot on.

The National Assoc. of broadcasters and TV stations created the announcements. The stations are required to run them, at no cost.