FCC Maps DTV Losers By Mark Fleischmann June 9, 2009 — Reception-wise, the transition to digital television will create winners and losers. Some areas will get stronger signals, while others will get weaker ones. And the latter will be subject to the "cliff effect"—the picture doesn't degrade, it shuts down altogether. On Friday the Federal Communications Commission updated its lists of projected losers.

The lists include 319 stations to which two percent or more of households would lose reception in the switch from analog to digital signals. This latest update includes 55 stations not previously listed, but eliminates 19.

There are two lists, one for predicted coverage on June 13, 2009, the date after the transition's final deadline. The other one looks further into the future, predicting post-transition coverage based on granted construction permits for transmitters. Listed stations are required to begin airing notices concerning the projected service loss.

For more information, see the FCC's June 5 News Release (PDF). To view the lists in Excel, see Appendix A and Appendix B. To read the FCC's daily drumbeat of transition news, see fcc.gov. And if you or someone you know may lose TV service in the transition, check out our DTV To-Do List. And act now! The hour is growing late.