FCC Warns Harlem About TV Signal Switch

Warning against fraud by vendors and misconduct by those trying to make a quick buck, representatives from the Federal Communications Commission spoke to the Harlem Consumer Education Council on Thursday about the congressionally mandated switch from analog to digital television broadcasting that will take effect in early 2009.

Patricia Chew and Sherry Dawson, representatives from the FCC’s Office of Outreach and Education, gave the audience of around 20 community members background about the change as well as its economic ramifications.

Congress amended the Telecommunications Act for the first time in 64 years in 1996, with the purpose of moving from an analog television signal to a digital one.

The change will not have much of an effect for people with cable or satellite televisions, but for many Harlem residents with free television, or “rabbit ears” television, a digital converter will be needed to view the free channels on an analog television. One could also purchase a new television with a built in digital tuner.

As Marjorie Moore, the director of the Harlem Senior Tenant and Landlord Reconciliation Center said, “these are significant and dramatic changes that will impact your pocketbook.”

Another concern this change presents is consumer fraud. “Has anyone had the temerity and foresight to introduce a bill to Congress to protect consumers?” Harlem resident John H. Joyce asked. The FCC representatives expressed the fear that old televisions without digital tuners will be brought to Harlem and sold for far below the market price. Consumers will think they are getting a bargain, but will really be buying a useless model.

Chew clarified that any new television sold after March 2008 must have a digital tuner, and stores selling old televisions have to indicate them to be analog sets. She also stressed the importance of not buying converters “out of the back of Al’s truck.”

Digital converters will be sold starting in January at all electronics stores from $50-$80. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration will be offering a $40 coupon for two converter boxes per household to help with the cost of the piece.

The Harlem Consumer Education Council was founded by Florence Rice over 50 years ago, and has been serving the Harlem community ever since. “Harlem is neglected. It is an area that should have long been paid attention to. Everyone is ahead of us in the technological world,” Rice said.

“This television change is not intended to be a good thing for us. I feel frustrated by it. Knowing more information does not help us. We need access and political leaders to help us,” Moore said.

Ali Krimmer can be reached at news@columbiaspectator.com.