STATEMENT OF NAB PRESIDENT AND CEO EDWARD O. FRITTS

[Gregg Lengling]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 CONTACT
December 2, 2002 Dennis Wharton  
 (202) 429-5350


 "Local broadcasters continue to lead the digital television transition, and we expect more than 700 stations all over the U.S. will be transmitting DTV by year-end. More than 60 percent of Americans live in markets where local stations are delivering at least five DTV signals.

      "We share with the authors of the General Accounting Office report a desire for greater consumer awareness of digital and high definition television. That's why NAB is funding a major DTV educational campaign to help make consumers aware of the benefits of digital television.

      "We also agree with GAO's finding that cable carriage and compatibility issues need quick resolution before consumers can enjoy the full fruits of the DTV revolution."