Congressman urges legislators to delay cut-off of analog broadcasts

By Kim Steele

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Phil Roe (Tenn.-1) has sent a letter to legislators asking them to delay the February 17 cut-off of all analog broadcasts in favor of digital television so more viewers in Sevier County can make the conversion. 

Roe noted that there is still widespread confusion about how the transition will impact many television viewers today, especially those in his district.

“In Tennessee’s First Congressional District alone, more than 30,000 households must be converted, 3,340 of which are in Sevier County,” said Roe. 

“Many households in this area rely on television as their primary news and information source, and it could potentially be harmful to cut them off from such a source without first doing more to ensure these households are aware of the impending transition.”