The FCC released a pair of reports Tuesday that show changes in the coverage of the nation's full-power television stations as they prepare to transition from analog to digital broadcasting on Feb. 17, 2009. The commission initiated the side-by-side comparison to identify the changes associated with the switch to digital broadcasting by TV stations and share the information with viewers nationwide. The FCC also announced it would hold an open meeting via conference call on Dec. 30 but did not say what would be on the agenda.
The first report, which provides maps showing the analog and digital coverage areas for each of the 1,749 full-power TV stations in the United States, found that approximately 89 percent of stations (1,553 stations) will experience an overall net gain in the population that can receive their signals. About 11 percent of stations (196 stations) will have an overall net loss in television viewers. The paper includes a separate map showing the predicted coverage areas for every station and shows the areas of gain or loss.
The second report contains maps and other information for the 319 stations where more than two percent of the population covered by their analog service will not be covered by their digital service. The population losses shown on the maps actually overstate the loss as it includes people who currently receive TV service via cable or satellite, the FCC said. Roughly 11 percent (or 196) stations are predicted to experience some existing population coverage loss of two percent or more.
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