U.S. Communications Policy Legislation

In July 1962 President John F. Kennedy signed into law legislation that required all television receiving sets shipped across state lines to be able to adequately receive all UHF as well as VHF frequencies. The goal of this law was to put UHF channels (channels 14 through 83) on a more equal technological footing with the VHF channels (2 through 13). Until this time, virtually all sets manufactured in or imported into the United States were equipped to receive the VHF channels only. Viewers interested in watching UHF channels were required to purchase a cumbersome UHF converter and attach it to their sets. These converters, which resembled metal bow ties and sat atop the re- ceiver, did not allow viewers to “click in” the desired channel. The tuning dial operated fluidly, like a radio tuning knob, and viewers had to literally “tune in” the desired channel. With the commercial networks occupying the VHF channels and viewers disadvantaged in receiving the UHF frequencies, UHF channels (primarily independent commercial and educational or noncommercial stations) were in danger of extinction.