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from: Main Street Monroe

SB117, the begining of the end of 'Live' Broadcasts from TV Middletown?

S.B. 117 is supposed to increase competition and improve cable service in Ohio, but S.B. 117 might do the opposite.

The bill was just approved by the Ohio Senate and now moves to the Ohio House.

S.B. 117 would radically alter the way cable companies operate in Ohio. It would create a state franchising system for cable systems and end local agreements with individual companies.

A.T.& T., who proposed this bill, doesn’t want to have to negotiate with scores of municipalities to enter the cable TV business. To promote the bill in Ohio, A.T.& T. sent lobiests to Columbus.

The bill is opposed by the Ohio Municipal League who says the bill would allow cable companies to abandon their franchise agreements, which will reduce money to local municipalities. In the case of Middletown, that amount would be in the $15,000 range in the first year. (Source: Steve Huseman, City Manager)

The Consumers Union, publishers of Consumer Reports, says the bill lacks enforcement ability. The measure specifically says that the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio and the Department of Commerce have no authority to regulate the cable industry.

The bill might allow cable companies to choose communities to serve. Some areas could be left without cable service at all.

In summary, SB 117 benefits AT&T more than the consumer. It allows AT&T to enter the cable TV market a a cost much lower than existing cable companies had to pay.

Could this be the end of TV MIddletown?