For the majority of full-power stations, their on-air consumer obligations will terminate on June 12, 2009. However, stations that have not completed construction of their full authorized post-transition digital facility must continue complying with the Consumer Education requirements after they terminate their analog service until they complete construction and commence operation of their full authorized post-transition digital facility.

This requirement for continued consumer education applies, for example, to stations that have received an extension of their construction permit beyond June 12, 2009, or are operating pursuant to a “phased transition” Special Temporary Authority which allows continued operation on a pre-transition digital channel or reduced operation on the post-transition channel. It does not apply to stations that have completed construction of their authorized post-transition facility but have not completed construction of a maximized facility.

These stations must revise the content of their educational messages to provide information about the limits on station’s digital service area and the anticipated date for it to complete construction and commence operation of its full, authorized post-transition digital facility.

Should you have questions, please contact your station counsel or call the NAB Legal department at (866) 682-0276.