Washington, D.C. - On Tuesday, Rockford area television stations plan to turn off their analog signals and broadcast only in digital. Although June 12, 2009 has been set as the national deadline for the digital television (DTV) transition, the stations in the Rockford television market have requested permission from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to transition at midnight (12 AM) on Friday February 17, 2009. Consumers who have not yet prepared for the DTV transition should act now to ensure that they will continue to receive television programming after the transition. Persons affected by the transition include those who 1) use an antenna to pick up a television signal (i.e. do not subscribe to cable or satellite), and 2) use an analog television set.

In order to help answer the many questions raised by the switch to DTV, the FCC is establishing a series of DTV Consumer Help Centers from February 16-18 in the Rockford area. These centers will supplement the assistance being provided by local broadcast stations; please see your local stations for additional information on the assistance they can provide.

The FCC's DTV Consumer Help Centers will provide individuals the opportunity to speak with a representative of the FCC and ask questions about the DTV transition. In addition, consumers will be able to put their names on the waiting list for a $40 converter box coupon and see how to properly hook up a converter box. No appointment is necessary.

The FCC will assist consumers at the following DTV Consumer Help Centers:

Monday, February 16:
3:00P - 6:00P - Northwest Community Center, 1325 N. Johnston Ave, Rockford, IL 61101; Phone: 815-964-6885

Tuesday, February 17
10:00A - 8:00P - Rockford Public Library (Main Library), 215 N. Wyman St., Rockford, IL 61101; Phone: 815-965-7606

Wednesday, February 18
9:00A - 1:00P - Ida Public Library (Belvidere), 320 N. State Street, Belvidere, IL 61008; Phone: 815-544-3838

2:00P -6:00P - Freeport Public Library, 100 E Douglas Street, Freeport, IL 61032; Phone: 815-233-3000

2:00P - 8:00P - Rockton Centre Branch Library, 3112 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL 61103; Phone: 815-965-7606

The public is encouraged to attend one of these sessions to learn more about the transition to digital television. For immediate information on the DTV transition, please call 1-888-CALL-FCC, currently operating 24 hours a day, or visit www.dtv.gov.