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from: KnoxNews

Bredesen may weigh in on cable-permitting fight
Governor says broadband coverage isn't adequate
ERIK SCHELZIG
Associated Press
Friday, January 18, 2008

NASHVILLE - Gov. Phil Bredesen said Thursday that he may get involved in a contentious proposal to change cable-permitting rules in Tennessee to encourage broadband access around the state.

Bredesen, a Democrat, stayed out of last year's legislative fight over the measure that would create statewide franchising rules that would allow companies like AT&T Inc. to avoid having to seek hundreds of municipal permits as it enters the cable TV business.

The measure failed last year, but the speakers of both chambers have said they consider this year's effort to have a better chance to pass.

Bredesen declined to say what his specific proposal would be, other than that he wants to "take some leadership and direction" on the issue.

"Last year, I said I didn't understand the issues enough and I was going to stay out of that," he said. "I've spent a lot of time trying to study the issues.

"The issue for me is not coming down on the side of cable or AT&T - it's just an issue of that I don't think we have adequate broadband coverage in Tennessee."

Cable and telecommunications groups spent at least $10.7 million in the fight over the proposal last year, according to lobbying records.

AT&T says the measure would allow for more competition for cable consumers. The company wants to roll out its U-verse package, which delivers TV content to consumers using the Internet rather than traditional cable or broadcast formats.

Local governments opposed the measure over worries that the change would lead them to lose control over who has access to cable service. Currently, municipalities can negotiate franchise agreements that require companies to provide service to everyone, not just wealthier residents or residents in urban areas.

Bredesen said his considerations about the cable permitting bill are unrelated to this week's announcement that his communications director, Bob Corney, is leaving at the end of the month to work for a public relations firm whose primary Tennessee client is AT&T.

"Once he told me - which was some time ago now - that he was planning on doing this, we began excluding him from any meetings relating to those particular subjects," Bredesen said.

Cabinet-level staff must wait a year after leaving the administration before they can work as lobbyists.

"Bob is very sensitive to these kinds of ethical concerns and I am, too," Bredesen said. "I think we can make a solid line there and let him get on with his life without somehow compromising the process in the state of Tennessee."