Rochester, N.Y. – The Federal Communications Commission has selected WXXI Public Broadcasting as one of 12 agencies across the country to assist the FCC with its digital television consumer education program.
The FCC awarded WXXI a $202,498 grant to implement an outreach initiative to help over-the-air viewers in the Greater Rochester area prepare for the digital transition.
WXXI will use the FCC grant to set up a toll-free telephone help center staffed by trained technicians; a “street team” of installers to provide in-home technical assistance; events, seminars, demonstrations, and special programming.
“We look forward to working with our colleagues at the Rochester commercial television stations to preserve and enhance access to free, over-the-air television in the digital era,” said WXXI President Norm Silverstein.
WXXI is one of only five public broadcasting stations in the U.S. selected. Other grant recipients include AARP, Communications Service for the Deaf, and Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network.
WXXI Digital Television Programs & Events
Digital TV Demonstration and Installation Seminar
Sunday, January 11 at 2 p.m.
WXXI Studios, 280 State Street, Rochester
WXXI engineers and technology reporters will help participants identify what they need to do to be prepared, demonstrate installation of converter boxes and answer questions. The event is free, and open to the public but reservations are required by calling (585) 258-0200.
DTV Edition of 1370 Connection
Thursday, January 22 at 12 p.m. on AM 1370
Host Bob Smith will open 1370 Connection’s phone lines on for DTV calls and have experts in studio to answer callers’ questions.
Live Call-In TV Show
Thursday, January 22 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV 21 (cable 11) and WXXI-HD (DT21.1/cable 1011)
WXXI will open its phone lines for calls, and experts will be in studio to answer callers’ questions. DVD copies of the program, including a Spanish-language translation ,will be distributed in the community.
