APTS: 50% Of Surveyed Viewers Reject Digital

Most current over-the-air TV consumers who get their TV free want to keep it that way.

In the wake of the transition to all digital TV signals come February 2009, the non-commercial TV group, Association of Public Television Stations, found that over half of the over-the-air TV consumers would rather not pay for TV via a cable or satellite service.

Still, the APTS survey found that about 43% of over-the-air households indicated they would buy a converter box or purchase a digital TV between now and when the transition takes effect--Feb. 17, 2009. This number compares to the 12% who say they will sign up for a cable or satellite service.

The Federal Communications Commission has issued coupons for some analog TV consumers to get digital converter boxes. Other consumers will buy converters through private retailers, or new TV sets that can handle digital services.

A hefty percentage of TV consumers--25%--don't know what to do. Another 19% say they would do nothing. And 17.6% say they would postpone any action.

Only 19% of those surveyed believed the government was on the "right track" with the transition. The study results are based on a November 2007 survey of 1,153 households.

"Many people see broadcasting as a dinosaur technology," said APTS president and CEO John Lawson, "but we broadcasters have the opportunity to reposition it as "wireless TV" and reach new audiences."

advertisement

advertisement

Next story loading loading..