WASHINGTON – Calling the delay in the conversion to digital TV broadcasting “a call to action” for communities across the country, the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights Education Fund (LCCREF) and New America Media (NAM) have stepped up their joint campaign to assist minority and low-income households with preparing for the upcoming conversion.

Last week, Congress approved legislation that will delay the implementation of digital only TV signals from February 17 to June 12. However, some local broadcasters may still make the transition February 17, making it more important than ever for people to act now. There are currently nearly four million households on a waiting list to receive government coupons that can off-set the cost of DTV converter boxes so that people can continue watching analog television sets.

Working with NAM, an organization representing more than 2,000 ethnic media outlets, LCCREF has launched an educational campaign to provide Americans with information on how to prevent their televisions from shutting down after the conversion. As part of the campaign, LCCREF has established DTV Assistance Centers in target locations to assist their communities with the switch to digital.

“We are working in affected communities in several cities, helping people understand what they must do to continue receiving television signals,” said Wade Henderson, president of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights. “The delay gives our communities more time to prepare, but it’s very important that people act now and apply for the coupon to offset the cost of the DTV converter box and set up at least one digital-ready TV. ”

Henderson reiterated that television, particularly in poor communities, is a key communications vehicle in the event of a natural disaster or other catastrophic event. “We don’t want a situation where lives are at stake because someone’s television doesn’t work and they miss important public safety announcements,” Henderson said. “LCCREF and NAM are committed to ensuring that doesn’t happen.”

The campaign has focused on seven target areas, where there are at-risk communities, such as communities of color, non-English speaking communities, and older Americans. These areas are: Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis-St. Paul, San Antonio, San Francisco-San Jose, Oakland, Portland and Seattle.

Recent studies have indicated that 12.5% of African American households and 13% of Hispanic households are currently using analog televisions, and are not ready for the conversion. Moreover, households with annual incomes of less than $25,000 are five times more likely to be unprepared for the digital conversion than households earning more than $75,000.

Sandy Close, NAM’s executive editor and director, said that radio stations are being asked to air PSAs as an important contribution to their communities.

“We need for civic leaders, organizations and businesses to pull together and contribute to this education campaign. We need to prevent a new digital divide in America,” Close said. “No community shall be left behind. But to make that a reality, preparation for the digital conversion must be a priority for everyone. The delay in implementation will help millions of people stay connected to news, information and public service announcements.”