The Star Tribune today joined the chorus calling for a delay of the nationwide switch to digital television planned for February 17. Unless that happens, anyone who still uses an antenna to get TV reception must buy and install a converter box to continue to access programming.
But try to find a box that’s fully covered by the federal government’s $40 converter box voucher program.
Two local media justice organizations are asking Target to help residents of Minneapolis make a no-cost conversion by offering boxes with closed captioning and analog pass-through features for $40 or less.
The two organizations, Main Street Project and the Minnesotano Media Empowerment Project, along with other community leaders, are concerned that low-income families, immigrants, seniors, communities of color, and people with disabilities will be the hardest hit by the DTV transition, as many people will be unable to afford converter boxes costing even ten or twenty dollars more than the $40 voucher covers.
Minneapolis has been identified as a “red market” by the FCC and National Telecommunications and Information Agency (NTIA) because it has more than 150,000 households dependents on antennas for TV reception.
Having access to media is essential to being able to participate effectively in our society. As more media become available to paid subscribers only, we must protect and preserve free, universally accessible media options.
Main Street Project and the Minnesotano Media Empowerment Project have developed a petition to urge Target to offer a no-cost converter box. Please add your support!
The difference one pays with a DTV coupon is about $10-$20. Anyone who cares about having a functioning TV and has antricipated this small expense can afford it.