James Delahunty
11 Nov 2007 18:01
John Kneuer, the man who's job it is to oversee the transition to all digital broadcasts in the United States as administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), is to leave the post. He will resign this month to "pursue new opportunities", spokesman Todd Sedmak said on Friday.
Kneuer was named administrator of NTIA in May 2006 by President George W. Bush, and has made numerous appearances in recent months before committees on Capitol Hill to keep members of Congress updated on the transition to digital TV. His resignation comes amid growing concerns that the public is largely unaware that such a transition will take place.
On Feb. 18, 2009, millions of TV sets in use in the United States will be incapable of receiving digital signals. To fight this problem, the U.S. Congress committed $1.5 billion to the transition, but only earmarked $5 million for consumer education. The Government will provide U.S. households with two coupons worth $40 each which can be used to purchase digital-to-analog converter boxes.
The NTIA is administering the program. Sedmak said Kneuer's resignation will have no impact on the preparations for the transition. "We have the people and policies and programs in place for this project to be successful and all our other projects," he said. Until the White House nominates a replacement, Meredith Baker, deputy assistant secretary, will serve as acting NTIA administrator.
Source:
Yahoo (AP)