Are you in the dark about the digital television switch and just not ready?
The Times would like to hear from you for inclusion in a story about the impending change. Please contact reporter Melissa Weinman at 770-718-3426, or send your name and daytime telephone number to
mweinman@gainesvilletimes.com.
The manager of one Atlanta TV station says local broadcasters will comply with Congress’ decision to postpone the digital TV transition until June, but he isn’t happy about it.
Bill Hoffman, general manager of ABC affiliate WSB, said Thursday he thinks people would have been prepared by the original Feb. 17 transition date.
“The major concern is that we’ve spent incredible amount of time and effort and of our own marketing time on our air getting the market prepared,” Hoffman said. “My personal preference would be to go, and go right now, on the 17th.”
But in the interest of viewers, Hoffman said his station and others will wait to cut off their analog signals at the same date.
“A lot of the bigger stations in the market are feeling the best thing is to wait. Right now our thought is that we should have solidarity in the market as far as to help the viewer and lessen confusion,” Hoffman said.
Congress voted Wednesday to postpone the digital switch until June 12. It awaits the signature of President Barack Obama, who has expressed support for the delay. However, many stations nationwide say they still plan to switch to a digital signal on the original Feb. 17 date.