With the nationwide transition to digital television (DTV) exactly 100 days away, NAB held a national press conference today to mark this important milestone.

At the Newseum in Washington, D.C., NAB joined forces with senior government leaders and key industry and consumer groups to spur Americans into action during this critical last phase. Full-power television stations across the country must switch from analog to all-digital broadcasting by February 17, 2009.

"As we prepare to say goodbye to analog, all of us here today remain as committed as ever to getting free DTV in homes across America," said NAB President and CEO David Rehr.

Rehr was joined by Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Kevin Martin, FCC Commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate, FCC Commissioner Robert M. McDowell, as well as leadership from industry and consumer groups who are members of the DTV Transition Coalition. NBC News Correspondent David Gregory moderated the event.

NAB announced new initiatives that broadcasters across the country will be implementing over the next 100 days to help prepare Americans for the transition:

• On November 10, stations will air an NAB DTV Action television spot reminding viewers that 100 days remain until the transition date.
• Starting November 10, stations will air a countdown clock each day until February 17, 2009.
• Nearly 150 stations in 49 markets have already conducted analog shut-off tests to help viewers determine if their TV sets are digital-ready. Many more are planned in top markets, including Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.
• Local broadcasters nationwide will host converter box and antenna demonstrations for viewers, and some are also hosting phone banks to answer consumer questions.
• NAB will distribute new television spots encouraging viewers to enjoy digital now, get ready early and help others upgrade to DTV.
• Disney Cruise Line is airing NAB's DTV spots on its Disney Wonder and Disney Magic ships until February 2009.
• American Airlines is airing NAB's DTV spots in-flight entertainment on the overhead screens through December 2008.
• Local stations are running DTV spots featuring celebrities, such as Howie Mandel of the new syndicated version of "Deal or No Deal" and Wayne Brady of "Don't Forget the Lyrics."
• NAB's DTV ads will be featured in 1,200 buses across Detroit, Boston, Houston, Salt Lake City, Seattle and Washington, D.C., all cities with high over-the-air populations. The ads will run December 1 through February 2009.
• In January and February 2009, NAB will display DTV ads throughout the Capitol South metro station in Washington, D.C., to communicate the transition to policymakers.

NAB is leading a massive consumer education campaign valued at more than $1 billion to prepare the public for the DTV transition. Consumers who use antennas to watch TV on analog sets must upgrade to digital or risk losing television reception after the transition is completed.