Your viewers are being bombarded with announcements about the fast-approaching switch to digital televison. Which of their TV sets will work? How will they know?
Well, KGMB in Honolulu is offering a quick, easy, and very viewer-friendly test next Monday so their viewers can quickly know if their sets will work once the analog signal is switched off. You might consider a similar test for your viewers.
Here's what KGMB is saying in their news release:
KGMB9 will flip the switch early and simulate an analog shutdown on Monday, May 19, 2008, during all evening newscasts. This unique 10 second test is designed to eliminate confusion about the upcoming DTV transition. KGMB9 will show viewers first hand what will happen at the stroke of midnight on February 17, 2009, when full-powered television stations across the United States are required by the FCC to cease broadcasting in analog.
The test and the forthcoming transition will not affect viewers watching KGMB9 through cable, it will only disrupt service for over-the-air viewers who do not have a digital-to-analog converter box or a new digital television set.
The simulated blackouts will begin during Monday’s 5 p.m. newscast. KGMB9 will repeat the test at 6:00 p.m. and again during the 10:00 p.m. newscast. During each simulation, KGMB9 anchors will explain to viewers that if they don’t lose their signal after the switch they have nothing to worry about come February 2009. Those who see static, however, should act now to make their television sets DTV-ready.
KLAS in Las Vegas ran a similar test some months ago, and was heavily praised by the FCC. I believe this is a very effective way to draw attention to the switch - without those irritating crawls and other messages that appear over programming, and I am sure are ignored - or cursed - by most viewers.
To see more go to KGMB9.com.
Jim Willi
