DTV questions answered by FCC boss

DAYTON - Kevin Martin, the chairman of the FCC, was traveling around the Buckeye state Tuesday, stopping in communities of more than 100,000 residents who rely on over-the-air signals for reception.

With 42 days removed from leaving analog television signals behind, many like community organizer William Dixon of Dayton aren't happy about the switch Feb. 17.

"It's just bad timing and why couldn't they wait another year?," Dixon said.

Dixon said he's feeling pressure the from the federal government to make the switch or lose his favorite programming.

"Yeah, I think we were forced into doing this and I also think they should have given us a better opportunity to get the coupons more than just once."

Dixon, who has five television sets in his house, said the coupon program doesn't add up. The coupon is only good for two converter boxes, so he figures he'll spend extra money to get all of his tv's up to code.

"A lot of people can't afford to do that. I mean it's hard times now. It's over 40,000 people out of jobs just in Dayton alone."

Dixon and dozens of other Dayton community members had a chance to ask some serious questions to Marin.

"I've heard a lot of concerns and complaints about the coupons program," the FCC Chairman said. "Particularly about the fact that it expires after 90 days and it doesn't get reissued, and a lot of people who've ordered the coupons that never got them. So I think it is a real concern."

Another concern for Chairman Martin is the lack of government funding for converter box coupons.

"They've run out of money to give any more coupons out," he added. "Some of the coupons will be expiring and they'll get more money in to issue temporarily. They can't give out any more coupons. It's just one of the reasons why the government needs to put more money into the coupon program."

Martin also tried to squash the rumor the government purposely forced the digital switch on Americans for monetary gain.

"The government doesn't receive any particular benefit out of making them switch to digital other than we got some of the airwaves back we auctioned off for other purposes that we gave to public safety."

But Dixon isn't tuning in to that response.

"There are a lot of people making money off of this thing and I think that people are not getting a bad wrap for this," Dixon said.

Martin's most concerned that senior citizens and Spanish-speaking households will not be ready in time for the digital switch because many don't subscribe to cable or satellite service.