Digital Debacle

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The Federal Communications Commission has done the best it can with what it has, holding workshops focusing on ways to inform the at-risk groups noted in the Gotham Gazette, as well as rural and tribal populations, says spokeswoman Rosemary Kimball. Resources are limited, however. The FCC received just $1.5 million to educate the public. Kimball says the agency has asked Congress for an additional $20 million.

The DTV Transition Coalition, made up of business, trade, and industry groups, has sponsored TV spots explaining the coming transition and the converter box coupon program. You also might have seen ads from your local cable company trumpeting the fact that cable customers don’t have to worry about the switchover.

By leaving the educational message to industry, the U.S. government has created a situation that’s ripe for misleading already confused consumers into thinking that they need new televisions or should pay for cable service. The Shepherd Express (April 13, 2008) reports that the Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group’s recent “secret shopper” surveys in Madison and Milwaukee revealed that many retailers were spreading incorrect information about the digital transition, the converter boxes, and the government coupons.

“There’s nothing wrong with relying on industry,” Kelsey says. “There is something wrong with taking advantage of consumer confusion when the government takes its hands off the steering wheel. If it doesn’t help consumers cut through the noise, we have a giant problem, which is what we’re seeing now.

“We need to invest in public education and not allow industry to supply all the diverse and confusing messages.”

Resources: Don’t Trash Your TV

If you decide to get a new digital TV, don’t throw your old set in the garbage. Harmful heavy metals like lead and mercury contaminate landfills, posing health hazards if they leak into soil and waterways. If your set ends up in an incinerator, burning plastics pollute the air. According the Environmental Protection Agency, only 12.5 percent of e-waste is recycled, largely because there aren’t enough convenient options for recycling.

The Electronic TakeBack Coalition’s “Take Back My TV” campaign (www.takebackmytv.com) strives to get electronics manufacturers to collect unwanted TVs. So far, only Sony has signed on, creating some 75 free drop-off sites across the country. Green lifestyle magazine Plenty (April-May 2008) suggests visiting www.mygreenelectronics.org, where you can look for nearby recyclers. Alternatively, consider posting your old set on www.freecycle.org.

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