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Note: Finally - someone that sees both sides of today's events in Washington. Thanks Harold for seeing the darker side of this FCC Halloween!

from: Media Access Project

MAP Reacts to FCC Cable Franchising Decision

October 31, 2007

Media Access Project Senior Vice President Harold Feld issued the following statement in response to the FCC’s actions on cable franchising and exclusive contracts.

“Today, the FCC gives to the American people with one hand, but takes back with the other. Ending exclusive contracts for cable services will ensure that all Americans can enjoy the benefits of choice, such as lower prices and better service, wherever they live. But preempting local franchising authority (LFA) will deprive the public of the best way to guarantee that cable providers and competitors meet the needs of their local communities. Local franchising authorities provide a needed local advocate and counterweight against the power of these multi-billion dollar companies, who all too frequently ignore the needs of individual citizens or even whole neighborhoods of less “desirable” customers.

“Indeed, for those who say that ending exclusives will leave some
areas unserved or may bring higher prices or worse service to particular neighborhoods, the correct answer should be — that’s why Congress gave LFAs such an important role in the process. As Mona “the Hammer” Shaw recently proved in the most dramatic way possible, even in a competitive market, cable customer service doesn’t always meet the needs of the public. I think even Comcast would agree it would have been better if Mrs. Shaw had filed a complaint with her local franchise authority rather than take a hammer to Comcast’s office. It is unfortunate that the FCC, while making the benefits of competition available to renters and others living with exclusive contracts, has also preempted the ability of local franchising authorities to provide a much needed safety net for when competition is not enough.”