Digital Sesame Street? Not for some IPTV viewers
Brian Murphy
March 24, 2009
Idaho Statesman
Idaho Public Television's digital signal does not reach viewers in seven spots in the state, including the Boise Front, Harris Ranch, eastern Emmett and Idaho City.
The Boise station has been pursuing grants from the federal government to close those gaps, but it needs $150,000 to match the grants.
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee declined Monday to cough up that money. IPTV doesn't know if it can raise the money elsewhere.
"I'm not sure what we're going to do," said Peter Morrill, IPTV's general manager. "With the general economy down, the options for looking for this size of match, I'm not sure where we're going to look at this time. We may have to turn the grant down."
Glenns Ferry, mid-southern Wood River Valley and the Portneuf Valley also are in the digital signal's dead zones.
Sen. Jim Hammond, R-Coeur d'Alene, said the cost was too high. People who decide to live in rural counties know they sacrifice some services, he said.
"Does the government always have to provide those?" Hammond said.
Rep. Shirley Ringo, D-Moscow, said IPTV needed the money.
The conversion from analog to digital television takes place June 12. It was originally scheduled for February.
Brian Murphy: 377-6444
Originally posted at http://www.idahostatesman.com/1306/story/708284.html
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