News Channel 5 [1]

Bredesen Questions Approach To Fight Over Cable Permitting
Posted: Jan 31, 2008 07:58 PM

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) -- Gov. Phil Bredesen is questioning the approach by House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh in the fight to change cable permitting rules in Tennessee to encourage broadband access around the state.

In an interview with the Chattanooga Times Free Press on Thursday, Bredesen said he doesn't "think what Speaker Naifeh is trying to do can be successful" since the two sides are taking opposite positions on the franchising authority request.

Bredesen, a Democrat, reiterated comments he said earlier this month that he may get involved in the contentious cable proposal.

The measure 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.