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from: Knox News

Bredesen questions tactics in cable-permitting fight
Governor says he may get involved in contentious proposal

Associated Press
Friday, February 1, 2008

CHATTANOOGA - 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" because 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.

"Last year and so far this year, it's shaping up into what AT&T wants versus what the cable TV companies want," Bredesen told the newspaper. "Maybe at some point, we ought to consider what Tennesseans want. It's something I am taking a look at how I might have an influence on."

Bredesen stayed out of last year's legislative fight over the measure that would create statewide franchising rules to 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 of passing.

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.