KUAC opens DTV hotline on the day the transition almost happened

Submitted by Tammy Tragis-McCook
Phone: 907-474-1890
02/16/09

KUAC is opening its DTV hotline Tuesday, Feb. 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. to help viewers prepare for the shutdown of analog TV service, which Congress has now delayed until June 12, 2009.

"We want to somehow to acknowledge the former transition deadline. This hotline gives viewers another chance to check whether they’re DTV ready,’ said KUAC general manager and CEO Greg Petrowich. "We’ll have a phone bank of staff and volunteers ready to help viewers who may have technical problems or other DTV questions."

KUAC will continue to broadcast in both analog and digital until the June 12 deadline. While the phone lines are open, over-the-air viewers receiving the KUAC analog broadcast signal through rabbit ears or rooftop antenna will see transition reminder messages on the bottom third of the screen. For viewers receiving a broadcast signal through a television equipped with a digital tuner, a converter box or pay service, KUAC programming will remain uninterrupted.

Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m., KUAC staff and volunteers will take live calls regarding digital television. The numbers to call are 907-474-5822 or 1-800-907-5822 from outlying areas. Viewers can also email their questions to dtv@kuac.org.

Viewers unable to call during the phone bank can find out more about the DTV conversion by clicking on www.alaskaone.org/digital, www.dtvanswers.com, or call 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322)

CONTACT: Tammy Tragis, KUAC marketing/communications manager, at 907-474-1890 or via e-mail at tammyt@kuac.org.