Monday, April 6, 1998 | 8:30 a.m.
LAS VEGAS - The future of digital television will soon make the tube just like a computer, technology so superior it could even create a better society, the chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee predicted Sunday.
"We are experiencing the greatest change that the world has seen since the Industrial Revolution," Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., told delegates of the National Association of Broadcasters, meeting here for their annual convention.
McCain said the future of digital television, an improvement over existing analog television, can't be certain, but will bring people up to speed with technology. He said the information viewers can soon get on their television sets will narrow the gap between rich and poor, leaving no one behind.
"Americans are very excited about the prospect of getting this kind of entertainment in their homes," he said.
McCain also criticized the Federal Communications Commission for its overpolicing of broadcasters.
"We are seeing almost unprecedented criticism of the FCC," McCain said, adding that their may soon be an effort to "rein in" the commission.
McCain unveiled his anti-tobacco bill this week, but didn't discuss it in his remarks Sunday during the NAB session.
The legislation drafted by the McCain's committee would cost tobacco companies $506 billion over 25 years, increase cigarette prices by $1.10 per pack by 2003 and force changes in cigarette advertising practices. Government penalties for companies that continue to hook young smokers would be capped at $3.5 billion a year, and the industry's liability for damages in lawsuits would be capped at $6.5 billion a year.
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