The National Association of Broadcasters applauds last weeks passage of House legislation granting stations the ability to voluntarily broadcast in analog format a digital TV informational message or emergency information in the days following the DTV transition on February 17, 2009.

The legislation, approved by unanimous consent,is identical to Senate legislation (S. 3663) introduced by Sen. Jay Rockefeller (WV) and approved by the Senate last month. The House effort was led by Rep. Lois Capps (CA-23). The bill now goes to the White House for approval.

Specifically, the legislation directs the FCC to develop and implement a program by January 15 to encourage and permit, where technically feasible, the continued broadcasting of analog signals with DTV education information and emergency messaging after the February 17, 2009, transition date. The program will be in effect for a 30-day period beginning February 18, 2009.

In October, the NAB Television Board of Directors unanimously adopted a resolution to support the legislation.

NAB President and CEO David K. Rehr sent a letter to President George W. Bush the day after the legislation was passed in the House urging final approval of DTV legislation recently approved by U.S. Congress.

"The DTV transition remains a top priority of NAB; local television stations across the country have contributed over $1 billion to educate Americans of the impending switch," wrote Rehr. "This legislation will allow television stations to continue the broadcast of analog signals with educational messages and emergency information where technically feasible for 30 days after the transition date, and will go a long way in our continued efforts to educate every American who receives highly valued over-the-air programming."

Rehr's entire letter can be read here.