Save Access

from: Times Herald

Lansing must fix threat to public access
Flawed cable law paved way for transfer of community programs

No matter how Comcast tries to spin it, the cable provider's efforts to move some of its channels to a higher digital tier runs counter to the interests of many viewers. More important, state lawmakers bear responsibility for making it easier for Comcast to change its programming.

from: Times Herald

Lawsuit holds back digital cable switch
Public access channel still widely available
By NICHOLAS DESHAIS
Times Herald

Comcast announced a slate of programming changes Friday, including the removal of some channels from standard cable in order to move them to a high-definition format.

from: Progressive States

Michigan Fights to Ensure PEG Channels Are Available to All
BY Julie Schwartz

The future is very uncertain for public, education and government (PEG) channels. These local channels have traditionally been carried by cable companies as a public service to highlight local community and public voices. Historically, PEG channels have been receivable on both analog and digital service, ensuring that PEG stations were accessible by any individual with a television, regardless of income level or cable package. Now that the Digital TV transition is looming for broadcasters, the question is what happens to these channels. Comcast, a service provider, is not required to, nor going to, go "all digital" as of February 2009, but is attempting to use the transition as an excuse to reduce access to PEG channels.

from: Ann Arbor News

New Service Lacks the CTN Channels

February 20, 2008
By Tom Gantert

Ann Arbor residents who choose AT&T U-verse — an Internet-based alternative to Comcast’s cable TV — won’t find Ann Arbor’s community-access channels on the service.

from: Detroit Free Press

State cable TV law needs a tune-up

The end of analog TV signals a year from now is shaking up viewers in more ways than one. The biggest impact will fall on those with old, non-digital sets who get their signals over the air. Their TVs will simply not show a picture next year unless they get a converter box.

from: Michigan State University

Competititon for Video Services Developing Very Slowly in Michigan

02/15/08
State News, Communications

A report released Feb. 1 by state regulators indicates slightly growing competition among providers of video services, including cable TV companies and telecommunications firms.

from: Mlive.com

Let the cable wars begin: AT&T takes on Comcast
Posted by Tom Gantert | The Ann Arbor News February 18, 2008 10:39AM
By TOM GANTERT
The Ann Arbor News

For 17 years, Annisa Bowden of Ann Arbor watched cable television on Comcast.

She never thought it was that good of a deal, but shied away from satellite because of reception concerns during inclement weather.

from: Community Media Clips

“PEG Access in the Digital Age”: The Entire Congressional Hearing, in Order, in YouTube Clips
Posted February 15, 2008 by Rob McCausland

Here are clips of the January 29 hearing held by the House Telecommunications & Internet Subcommittee, “PEG Services in the Digital Age.” The clips are in chronological order, beginning with opening statements (1-7), witnesses testimony (8-11), and representatives’ questions (12-20).

from: Journal Group

February 14, 2008
Bill provides for cable channel compromise
Scott Spielman
Editor

Legislation has been introduced that will keep Public, Educational and Government (PEG) channels available to all cable viewers—for now.

House Bills 5693 and 5667 would address a recent proposal from the Comcast Cable company to move those channels up into the 900 range—and out of easy access to hundreds of thousands of cable subscribers.

From: journal Group

February 14, 2008
Comcast Cable changes channels again

After apologizing for a widely criticized attempt to move PEG (Public Education and Government) channels out of range of most viewers, officials from Comcast Cable tried another approach on Friday.