WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the nation’s broadcast television system switching to new digital technology in 18 months, the U.S. cable industry is this week launching an extensive consumer education campaign, including English and Spanish language TV advertising valued at $200 million, designed to reach millions of cable and non-cable viewers with useful information about the digital TV change. The new ads can be viewed at www.ncta.com/DTVSpots.
The campaign was announced today in the attached letter from National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) President & CEO Kyle McSlarrow to leaders of the House and Senate Commerce Committees, and copied to all Members of Congress (The two letters are linked below).
“As many have pointed out, the simplest and most direct route to communicating with television viewers is through television itself. Thus, we are making a substantial commitment to air $200 million of English and Spanish language advertising on cable and broadcast television stations and networks. That advertising campaign will start this week and will not conclude until February 2009,” McSlarrow said in the letter.
In addition to the TV advertising, McSlarrow also announced the creation of English and Spanish language informational website material, and other commitments for cable companies to communicate with consumers about the digital transition. These commitments are highlighted in the letter, the text of which can be found in the documents linked below.
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