Senator Jay Rockefeller Calls Deal Between Comcast Cable And WV PBS "A Good First Step"

Rockefeller Calls for a Permanent Solution

June 2, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. – Senator Jay Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, commended the deal reached between Comcast Cable and West Virginia Public Broadcasting (PBS) as an important first step to allow Comcast subscribers to continue receiving West Virginia PBS at no additional charge for two years. Senator Rockefeller strongly pushed for such a solution, and is urging further discussions for a permanent solution.

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Comcast customers in North Central West Virginia and the Northern and Eastern Panhandles without digital cable will now be offered free digital converter boxes, which will allow them continued access to West Virginia PBS for two years as part of their basic cable package at no additional charge.

“This is certainly an important first step toward guaranteeing that Comcast customers in West Virginia continue to receive the West Virginia PBS programming they enjoy and count on,” Rockefeller said. “It was a show of good faith from both Comcast and West Virginia Public Broadcasting, and I commend them for reaching an accommodation that works for families.

“The next step is a permanent solution. I urge both parties in this commercial agreement to continue to work toward a creative and workable result. I will never stop fighting to guarantee that West Virginia has a first-class telecommunications infrastructure, but we also must be steadfast in our support for West Virginia Public Broadcasting.”

Senator Rockefeller also reminded West Virginians of the upcoming June 12th Digital Television (DTV) deadline. It is important to note that the transition is separate from the agreement between Comcast and West Virginia PBS. The DTV transition is when all full-power television stations will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to digital signals.

Source: Senator Jay Rockefeller