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Wilmington NC Broadcasters to Air DTV Transition Commercials

August 26, 2008

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced that broadcasters in Wilmington, NC will air emergency announcements and informational messages about the transition to digital-only television (DTV) on their traditional analog channels. Also, beginning at 12 noon on September 8, WWAY (ABC), WSFX-TV (FOX), WECT (NBC), WILM-LP (CBS), and W51CW (Trinity Broadcasting) in Wilmington will transmit their commercial programming only on digital channels.

Wilmington Broadcasters to Prepare Viewers Early for Digital TV Transition

Viewers tuning to the stations' traditional analog channels following September 8 will see graphics informing them of options for receiving digital broadcast signals through the month of September. In the event of an emergency, such as a hurricane, the stations may elect to provide emergency information and announcements on their old analog channel.

On February 17, 2009, all full power stations must by law stop transmitting any analog signal. Stations that are transitioning on February 17, 2009 will not be able to retain analog signals for any purpose, including emergency broadcasts. Wilmington stations and viewers, however, will be able to receive emergency announcements and other informational messages about the DTV transition on traditional analog channels. This is a benefit of their participation in the early transition.

Wilmington Stations to Air Informational DTV Transition Message

Viewers in the Wilmington area will see the text of the informational message regarding the DTV transition as follows: "At 12 noon on September 8, 2008, commercial television stations in Wilmington, North Carolina began to broadcast programming exclusively in a digital format. If you are viewing this message, this television set has not yet been upgraded to digital. To receive your television signals, upgrade to digital now with a converter box, a new TV set with a digital (ATSC) tuner, or by subscribing to a pay service such as cable or satellite. For more information call 1-877-DTV-0908, or TTY 1-866-644-0908, or visit www.DTVWilmington.com."