NEWS News media Information 202 / 418-0500Fax-On-Demand 202 / 418-2830 TTY 202/418-2555Internet: http://www.fcc.govftp.fcc.gov Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street, S.W. Washington, D. C. 20554 This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974). FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS MEDIA CONTACT February 4, 2009 Brigid Calamis 202-418-2200 STATEMENT OF FCC COMMISSIONER ROBERT M. McDOWELL IN RESPONSE TO THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION TO DELAY THE DIGITAL TELEVISION TRANSITION DEADLINE TO JUNE 12, 2009 The following statement can be attributed to Commissioner Robert M. McDowell: “Today, a majority of the directly elected representatives of the American people, the U.S. Congress, has clearly expressed its desire to postpone the deadline for the cessation of analog full-power television broadcasts to June 12, 2009. I look forward to joining my two colleagues, Acting Chairman Copps and Commissioner Adelstein, in quickly implementing the will of the Congress. I know we will do all that we can to minimize the inevitable disruption and confusion this transition will cause. In the meantime, let’s all stay on message: if you need a converter box, get it today and hook it up today and start enjoying the benefits of digital television today.” # # #