Mississippi Public Broadcasting announces reduction in analog power effective April 30

(Jackson, Miss.) - Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) must reduce its current television analog power beginning April 30, 2008, in preparation for the upcoming national digital television (DTV) transition in February of 2009.

The first MPB television transmitter station to undergo the analog power reduction is WMPN-Channel 29 in Raymond, Miss. MPB’s WMPN-Channel 29 coverage reaches approximately 50 miles from Raymond.

Those currently subscribing to cable or satellite services should not be affected by the analog power reduction. Additionally, viewers living within approximately 20 miles of the Raymond transmitter should not be affected.

MPB viewers outside the 20-mile radius receiving their television signal by antennae (roof top and/or rabbit ears) will experience this decrease in power. The affected counties are Madison, Yazoo, Sharkey, Issaquena, Warren, Claiborne, Jefferson, Franklin, Copiah, Lincoln, Lawrence, Jefferson Davis, Covington, Simpson, Smith, Leake, Scott and Rankin.

The affected households at times may experience a snowy picture or no picture on their screens while watching television.

These viewers in the WMPN-Channel 29 area should prepare to make adjustments to continue viewing their favorite MPB programs. They can keep their analog TV but need to purchase a TV converter box to continue receiving their MPB programming after April 30. A TV converter box will cost $40 - $70. The government is offering two $40 coupons per household that can be applied toward the cost of converter boxes. To request coupons or learn more about the coupon program, call 1-888-388-2009 or visit www.dtv2009.gov.

According to MPB Deputy Executive Director in charge of technical services, Bob Buie, “The analog power reduction on April 30 is permanent. With this decrease in analog power comes an increase to full power in the digital signal by May 15, 2008.”

Buie adds, “I personally encourage our viewers to consider an earlier move to digital television rather than waiting until February of 2009. Digital television offers a much more pleasing and exciting viewing experience. Clearer pictures, better sound and more local channels via DTV are available right now from most broadcasters in the Jackson viewing area.”

MPB is reducing its signal at each of its transmitter stations throughout the state in stages. Approximately 90 days after the WMPN-Channel 29 signal is reduced the signals at WMAU-Channel 17 in Bude and WMAO-Channel 23 in Greenwood will undergo analog power reduction.

For more information regarding MPB and the national DTV transition, visit www.mpbonline.org.

To contact MPB about the power reduction set to begin on April 30, 2008 you may call toll free to

1-866-346-4095

###

Note to Editor:- Map attachment

Attached is a map of the WMPN-Channel 29 viewing area indicating the possible communities affected by the MPB reduction in power beginning April 30.

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Kathy Broom
April 23, 2008	601.432.6683
Mississippi Public Broadcasting announces reduction in analog power effective April 30
(Jackson, Miss.) - Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) must reduce its current television analog power beginning April 30, 2008, in preparation for the upcoming national digital television (DTV) transition in February of 2009. The first MPB television transmitter station to undergo the analog power reduction is WMPN-Channel 29 in Raymond, Miss. MPB’s WMPN-Channel 29 coverage reaches approximately 50 miles from Raymond. Those currently subscribing to cable or satellite services should not be affected by the analog power reduction. Additionally, viewers living within approximately 20 miles of the Raymond transmitter should not be affected. MPB viewers outside the 20-mile radius receiving their television signal by antennae (roof top and/or rabbit ears) will experience this decrease in power. The affected counties are Madison, Yazoo, Sharkey, Issaquena, Warren, Claiborne, Jefferson, Franklin, Copiah, Lincoln, Lawrence, Jefferson Davis, Covington, Simpson, Smith, Leake, Scott and Rankin. The affected households at times may experience a snowy picture or no picture on their screens while watching television. These viewers in the WMPN-Channel 29 area should prepare to make adjustments to continue viewing their favorite MPB programs. They can keep their analog TV but need to purchase a TV converter box to continue receiving their MPB programming after April 30. A TV converter box will cost $40 - $70. The government is offering two $40 coupons per household that can be applied toward the cost of converter boxes. To request coupons or learn more about the coupon program, call 1-888-388-2009 or visit www.dtv2009.gov. According to MPB Deputy Executive Director in charge of technical services, Bob Buie, “The analog power reduction on April 30 is permanent. With this decrease in analog power comes an increase to full power in the digital signal by May 15, 2008.” Buie adds, “I personally encourage our viewers to consider an earlier move to digital television rather than waiting until February of 2009. Digital television offers a much more pleasing and exciting viewing experience. Clearer pictures, better sound and more local channels via DTV are available right now from most broadcasters in the Jackson viewing area.” MPB is reducing its signal at each of its transmitter stations throughout the state in stages. Approximately 90 days after the WMPN-Channel 29 signal is reduced the signals at WMAU-Channel 17 in Bude and WMAO-Channel 23 in Greenwood will undergo analog power reduction. For more information regarding MPB and the national DTV transition, visit www.mpbonline.org. To contact MPB about the power reduction set to begin on April 30, 2008 you may call toll free to 1-866-346-4095 ### Note to Editor:- Map attachment Attached is a map of the WMPN-Channel 29 viewing area indicating the possible communities affected by the MPB reduction in power beginning April 30.