Federal Communications Commission member Jonathan Adelstein told B&C he has talked with broadcasters about setting up more short-term tests of the analog cutoff similar to ones conducted and or planned by stations in Las Vegas and Orlando, Fla.

"We should support and encourage local broadcasters to conduct these soft analog-shutoff exercises because we couldn't get other folks to step up and be willing to do what Wilmington did," he said.

What Wilmington, N.C., did -- or, more specifically, what the major network affiliates with the exception of PBS agreed to do Sept. 8 -- is to pull the plug early on analog service so that the FCC can gauge the effects of the switch to digital by full-power TV stations. The PBS station is acting as the "designated driver" of sorts, keeping the analog light on in case of emergency.

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