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from: Belleville News Democrat

Compromise on TV bill could mean more competition
DAVID A. LIEB
Associated Press

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Many television viewers already are making the switch to wider, high-definition screens. Now as a result of a compromise at the Missouri Capitol, they could also see a wider variety of video companies competing for their business.

Note: AT&T has been suing many Illinois Communities over the franchise process and telco box placement. Their behavior is that of a 200 billion dollar thug.

Past articles on AT&T lawsuits in Illinois:

Note: Grand Rapids, Michigan is home to one of the most vibrant community media centers in the country, founded by the late Dirk Koning. The video franchise signed into law is a shameful affront to the memory of Dirk and others who have struggled to improve media at the local level.

from: Ron Suarez Blog

from: Baltimore Sun

Lobbyists Turn Their Attention to States

From Baltimore Sun, January 24, 2007
By Joel Barkin

Have you heard the one about the lobbyists who got shut out of Washington, D.C.? They all decided to set up shop in the states instead. Not laughing? That’s because it’s not a joke. It’s how lobbyists are reacting to the Democratic takeover of Congress.

from: STL Today

Cable, telephone companies reach deal on video franchise bill

By Jerri Stroud
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
01/20/2007

The telephone and cable industries in Missouri have reached a compromise that could ease passage of a bill allowing statewide franchises for pay-television service.

frm: Worchester Telegram

Friday, December 22, 2006
Community voices

Cutting public access channel would be unwise

As Worcester nears the end of the current cable television contract with Charter Communications, speculation that the public-access channel could take a major budget hit is troubling, indeed.

from: Multichannel News

Q/A with Nick Miller, Miller & Van Eaton

Nick Miller is an expert in the law and policy governing cable television and telephone regulation, and in the legislative aspects of communications law. He represents local governments, airports, and national local government associations in cable television and telecommunications matters. He has worked extensively with international multilateral agencies engaged in telecommunications policy advice to developing countries. Miller talked to Focus on Customer Care about franchising. An edited transcript follows:

from: Multichannel News

Milwaukee Continues to Talk to AT&T But Moves Ahead With Lawsuit

While the city of Milwaukee remains staunchly behind its decision to sue AT&T over the telco’s refusal to seek a local cable franchise for its U-Verse service, city officials are continuing talks to settle the issue.

Note: on top of this 1.3 billion, AT&T also raised local phone rates immediately after getting the state video franchise bill passed.

from: WOAI

Texas Phone Users Spend $1.3 billion Subsidizing Big Companies
Last Update: 1/14/2007 2:59:09 PM

A celebratory Verizon press release on their NJ roll-outs. The pricing appears to be the same as local cable offerings (is this what they mean by ‘choice and competition’)? We'd love to hear stories from NJ and elsewhere on local pricing levels, service and PEG carriage (write us at info@saveaccess.org). Verizon also introduced state franchise bills in NY and MA last week . . .

from: PR News Wire