FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
  February 28, 2000
  
  
      PRESS STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER GLORIA TRISTANI
                              
 Re:  Clearing Television Broadcasters from Channels 60-69
                              
                              
       I am not convinced that pressing television broadcast licensees to prematurely vacate
  channels 60-69 is in the public interest.  In the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, Congress
  specifically protected broadcasters operating in channels 60-69 during the digital transition in
  order to ensure that the public is not deprived of free, over-the-air broadcast service until the
  transition is complete.  We ought to respect Congress' judgment.
  
  
                          - FCC -