TUCSON, Ariz. (June 9, 2009) – The final analog television program service from Arizona Public Media – Channel 27 KUAS serving Northwest Tucson, Oro Valley and Marana viewers – will cease on the June 12 federal deadline for analog broadcasting.

The move completes Arizona Public Media’s digital transition of all its public television channels. KUAT Channel 6 ceased analog broadcasting earlier this year due to weather damage to equipment. Prior to that, television programming had been transmitted in both digital and analog since 2002.

The original 2009 transition date for television stations nationwide to completely switch to digital broadcasting was February 17, but the deadline was extended to June by the Federal Communications Commission amid concern that a large portion of the nation’s television viewers had still not made the necessary equipment switch. Locally, over-the-air analog broadcast service for Channel 6 ended on Tuesday, March 31 at 11:59 p.m., ten weeks before the June digital transition deadline.

Beginning June 12, over-the-air television viewers need either a digital-ready television or a digital converter box connected to a UHF antenna to receive digital television (DTV) signals. Viewers watching Channel 6 or Channel 27 via cable providers or satellite television are not affected by the DTV switch over.

For 30-days following the termination of PBS program services, KUAS Channel 27 will provide a “nightlight” service, broadcasting only programs and announcements in English and Spanish related to the conversion viewers must make in order to receive digitally transmitted programs. KUAS will cease broadcast operations July 12, 2009 at 11:59 p.m.

Broadcast TV viewers who have questions about the digital switch can call (520) 621-5828. Additional information is also available at the Arizona Public Media Digital TV Preparation Page at www.azpm.org Viewers may also call the FCC’s helpline at 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322).

Arizona Public Media® is a member-supported non-profit media organization of The University of Arizona, this year celebrating 50 years of public broadcasting service to Southern Arizona. Arizona Public Media (AZPM) station KUAT Channel 6 offers Channel 6-1 PBS-HD; 6-2 V-me (en español); 6-3 Create; and KUAS Channel 27 offers Channel 27-1 PBS-HD; 27-2 PBS Kids; 27-3 PBS World; the UA Channel (Cox 116/Comcast 76), classical music station KUAT-FM 90.5/89.7; NPR affiliate KUAZ 1550AM/89.1 FM; and the Ahora channel (en español) on KUAZ-HD2. AZPM also produces award-winning original local programming from its digital studios on the campus of the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. More information on programming and community events can be found at www.AZpublicmedia.org

Arizona Public Media is a registered trademark of the Arizona Board of Regents.