Horrible use of the news flash tag.

Since I work in the broadcasting industry, I'm really getting a kick...etc, etc.

/actually, I do work in the industry, and, delaying the date that has been "set in stone" for years now is just rediculous, and unnecessary. It's like tearing off a band-aid, just do it, deal with the pain, and move ON.

priestrape: I'm shocked the Republicans shut this down. As soon as DTV goes into effect, Fox News' ratings are going to drop by around 33%

it's not going to effect Fox News. That's cable. Perhaps you should visit dtvanswers2009.org.

The defeat is a setback for the Obama administration and Democrats on Capitol Hill, who fear too many Americans are not ready for the switchover.

Fear? What happened to hope? Or change?

Drakin020: Just run that for a week or so, and people will know what to do.

That's what they did in the test markets, and it worked great.

This is what happens when advertisers throw money at Washington to ensure their ads get seen by as many people as possible, regardless of how it hurts communities.

Communities like mine, for example, where our NBC affiliate is on ridiculously low power because they're VHF (and digital) only. They can't crank up their power until the analog channel 9 in Orlando switches off.

lorax101: Might be a good idea for some people to have their TVs go dark anyways... Maybe they'll go out and get a book. Or exercise. Or just use the computer more.

No, they'll just bombard the local electronics stores with idiotic questions about why the teevee doesn't work anymore. Then they'll say they bought the tv at the store fifteen years ago (before the store existed) and that they've been a loyal customer (Haven't stepped into the store more than 5 times) and that unless the manager gives them a brand new plasma screen the store will be losing their, and their friends' business permanently (their friends don't shop there either)

Or they'll sue. I don't know who, but someone is going to get sued.

This is where I make my smug commemt that I don't watch tv.

And, just for two more reasons moving this is dumb:

1. Nielsen already printed special diaries for March, even though they usually do sweeps in November to make an allowance for the transition.

2. By moving the date, the Obama administration takes ownership of this program, whereas, by leaving it as is, if it succeeds, they can take credit, and if it fails, they can just blame Bush. Win-Win.

/this makes NO sense

Actually, I think it means we get to watch those annoying commercials for another 6 months.