Geek Squad Provides Free DTV Converter Box Installation

to Unconverted Households in 31 States

WHAT:             The FCC has called upon the men and women of Geek Squad to insure that civilians are fully prepared for the June 12, 2009 DTV switch. The goal of the rapid response task force is for no one to see snow (aka static) on June 12.

                        Free of charge to the household, Geek Squad Home Theatre Installers will connect up to two of a household’s DTV converter boxes to existing broadcast antennas and analog TVs. In addition to the installation, Geek Squad Installers will:

·         adjust existing antennas

·         scan and rescan converter boxes to locate the maximum digital broadcast channels available

·         integrate an existing VCR

·         provide guidance on the operation of the converter box

WHY:                Approximately 3.3 million households nationwide are unprepared for the switch. The FCC needed backup and they knew who to call: Geek Squad. With technicians nationwide, Geek Squad is up for the task. Geek Squad has built a reputation of helping citizens navigate the digital world and they are honored to help. 

                        Unsure if your household needs a converter box? Check out more information at www.dtv.gov  or www.bestbuy.com/dtv.

WHEN:             Customers in the following 31 states can contact Geek Squad beginning today, Wednesday, May 27, through Tuesday, June 30, 2009:

·         Pacific: Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington

·         West Central: Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Wyoming

·         Northeast: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont  

To request free converter box installation, qualified citizens may call the DTV conversion hotline at 877-BBY-DTV9 (877-229-3889) 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. CST daily.

WHO:               In these states, citizens who are unable to install the converter box they’ve purchased and who are within a Best Buy store service area can request free installation from Geek Squad.  With this program, the FCC is especially focused on reaching “at risk” households – low-income consumers, minority communities, non-English speaking consumers, senior citizens, consumers living in rural areas or on tribal lands, and consumers with disabilities. 

This great new networking site for sales people has just been launched by some veteran radio sales people: www.radiosalescafe.com.  It’s designed to bring the tools and features such as discussion forums, instant messaging and job search like other sites (i.e. LinkedIn and Facebook) but is exclusively for radio sales people. Check it out!

As you know this performance tax issue is heating up and will depend on local radio stations reaching out to their members of Congress and let them know how crippling this could be to our industry. On Wednesday, the House Judiciary Committee passed the RIAA-backed tax. Congressman Bill Delahunt voted with the record companies to levy this fee on broadcasters.

In Maryland, a talk show host asked callers to weigh in with Elijah Cummings (MD-7) office regarding the performance tax. His office received 3,000 calls Wednesday morning and he immediately signed onto the performance tax resolution.

If possible, please use your airwaves to fight to save them. Tell your listeners through your talk format, DJs or PSAs how this will affect their favorite station. Ask them to contact their local representative (provide them this information) and ask for their support on H. Con Res. 49 – the Local Radio Freedom Act. To date, only Congressman Capuano has signed onto this legislation. Visit www.noperformancetax.org. for PSA scripts, videos, banner ads and more resources.

It seems like the broadcasting industry is going rounds in the boxing ring and getting hit from all sides. A struggling economy and automotive industry has left them bleeding from the head with the layoffs still mounting. The FCC is attempting to take them out at the knees with rulemaking and mandates that make it more difficult to stay in business – and the future of that relationship is even more uncertain as a new Chairman has not yet been confirmed. If the economy doesn’t permanently disable television stations, the FCC’s requirements and Congress’s delay of the DTV Transition is sure to finish the job. And if Congress passes legislation to charge radio stations performance royalties, it could be the knock-out punch that seals their fate. NAB President David Rehr’s sudden resignation may send the wrong message to all contenders – broadcasters are weak and not winning the fight. This is the time for broadcasters to do what they do best – provide essential public service and valuable entertainment to their communities and help recharge the economy by supporting local businesses. It may seem like they’re the underdog here but broadcasters, not the government, the record companies or NAB, are the deeply rooted in their cities and towns and know how to persevere. When the dust settles, broadcasters will be the heroes. In this round I’m putting my money on David, not Goliath. 

Here’s an interesting commentary from Eric Rhoades at Radio Ink about David Rehr’s resignation and the future of NAB.