Save Access

from: Green Bay Press gazette

Posted August 5, 2007

Guest column: Consumers, not AT&T, should get favored status

By Bruce Speight and Joel Kelsey

The dual goals of increased competition in the cable market and the expansion of broadband Internet service in Wisconsin are laudable. In today's connected world access to robust networks means much more than just the opportunity to watch cable television — it means increased access to news, art, entertainment, and diverse marketplaces. Unfortunately, the so-called "cable competition" bill that is currently before the state Legislature is missing its opportunity to develop the video service marketplace in a way that truly benefits Wisconsinites.

from: Cable 360

States Play Fair With Franchises
Video franchising bills are on the march, but redlining lately has been given the boot.
July 30, 2007
By Simon Applebaum

We’re only midway through 2007, and video franchising legislation has already been approved in seven states. That compares with eight states enacting video franchise legislation during all of 2006, and brings the number of states with such laws in play to 16. But this doesn’t necessarily spell bad news for cable operators since the 2007 bills are more equitable.

Note: Alas, as in other states, the church folks once against demonstrate their devotion to the public interest merely has a price that can be easily bought. Shame!

from: Pierce County Herald

Cable TV bill supporters getting some divine help

from: Spinal Column

Changes in new cable law proposed

Kirk Pinho
August 01, 2007 - A two-bill legislative package designed to simplify the state's new cable television franchising agreement procedure has been introduced in the Michigan Senate.

from: Marietta Times

Officials get cable TV law update
Thursday, August 02, 2007

By Connie Cartmell, ccartmell@mariettatimes.com

Marietta City Councilman Tom Vukovic initially had serious reservations about deregulation of cable television in Ohio.

Today Vukovic, a member of council’s special public utilities committee, has learned more about the process, brought about through Senate Bill 117, and has fewer concerns.

from: News Record

AT&T plans to offer state TV services
By Michelle Jarboe
Article published Aug 1, 2007

Television isn't calling. Yet.

AT&T announced plans Tuesday to invest $350 million to upgrade its North Carolina network, with hopes of launching Internet television services in the state in several years .

from: broadbandvision

Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Statewide Cable Franchise Fight

PA House Bill 1490 is AN ACT Amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for Statewide cable franchises and for municipal regulation of franchise holders of; Statewide franchises. The bill was referred to the House Consumer Affairs committee on July 9.

from: Madison.com

Wisconsin Cable Bill Proponents Fudge Facts

From Wisconsin State Journal, July 30, 2007
By Brad Clark and Barry Orton

The facts simply don’t support the State Journal’s July 24 editorial praising the so-called “Video Competition” bill.

Everyone favors cable competition. But AT&T (the corporation behind this legislation) has been free to compete with cable providers for over a decade, and has chosen not to.

from: BlueNC

Help Protect NC Community Media Centers

Submitted by BrianR on Mon, 07/30/2007 - 7:31pm.

As many of you know, last session the State Legislature passed a law which allows cable and phone companies to avoid many of the public service requirements that have existed for over 30 years. Those requirements mainly have to do with channel space and support for Community Media Centers, like The Peoples Channel, and Public, Educational, and Government (PEG) Access channels. The bill has turned out to be a very serious blow to local governments and nonprofits like us. Many of us concerned with the legislation worked together to produce a new piece of legislation that would remedy two major problems with the bill: funding for Community Media Center and PEG channels, and deployment of broadband to rural and economically distressed communities.

Note: Another casualty of state-wide franchising in Florida.

from: Tampa Book Buzz

Help save the education channel
July 29, 2007 at 2:30 pm | In Books, Tampa Bay Area |

The Education Channel needs our help. Please read the three emails below and call or email your Hillsborough County Commissioner.