Digital technology frees public broadcasters from the limitations imposed by a single analog signal. Many stations currently must choose among broadcasting preschool programs, adult learning courses, national series, local productions, cultural programming or public affairs. Digital compression will allow public broadcasters, for example, to carry simultaneously a dedicated children s instructional channel, an adult lifelong learning channel, a public affairs service, and a local programming channel. All these channels could be accompanied by data that enhances the broadcast experience. Digital technology also enables transmission in a high-definition format.
Public broadcasters are committed to HDTV service as part of their plan.
The strategy was developed by the Digital Broadcasting Strategic Planning Steering Committee, a group of industry leaders representing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting , the Public Broadcasting Service , America s Public Television Stations , National Public Radio , and local public broadcasters. They were assisted by Andersen Consulting. The committee s work builds upon years of public broadcasting leadership in the development of digital technology, including participation in the FCC s Advisory Committee on Advanced Television Technology Center, the Grand Alliance, and the Advanced Television Test Center.