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Dear Washington State media activists,

Reclaim the Media was in Olympia this week to speak against a very bad new telecommunications bill, SB6003, which would open the door for Qwest and other telecom companies to provide cable-type video services to customers statewide - but on the company's terms.

Their terms don't include fair support for PEG (public access, government and educational) TV programming, and they would seriously erode local customer accountability. Last but certainly not least, this corporate-sponsored bill would allow Qwest and other companies the right to "cherry-pick" the neighborhoods they want to provide the best services to, while skipping over less affluent or rural neighborhoods.

from: Kansas City Business Journal

Franchise bill's appeal fades for cable providers in Missouri

February 22, 2007
by Jason Shaad

A Missouri bill lauded for increasing competition in the state's cable market has lost a bit of its luster for cable companies.

On Tuesday, the Senate approved a bill to streamline the process for letting new service providers enter the television market in Missouri. The bill would allow both telephone and cable companies to secure statewide franchise agreements rather than negotiate individual franchise agreements with local governments, which is the current requirement for offering service.

from: Tampa Bay 10

Opposition surfaces to new standard for cable service

TALLAHASSEE, Florida (AP) — Two state lawmakers say Floridians deserve more choices and lower prices for their cable television.

They unveiled legislation today requiring companies to get cable franchise agreements from the state instead of from local governments.

Note: AT&T continues to pursue local franchises in Missouri while also pushing for a statewide franchise.

from: STL Today

AT&T video plan meets with a delay
By Mark Schlinkmann
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
02/21/2007

ST. CHARLES — A proposal to allow AT&T, the state's largest telephone company, to offer video services in St. Charles ran into a delay Tuesday night at the City Council.

from:
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER EDITORIAL BOARD

Legislature: State power grab
Tuesday, February 20, 2007

State lawmakers are looking today at a bill that supporters, chiefly Qwest Communications, proclaim would promote competition in cable TV services. Perhaps so, but the heart of the bill is a wholesale grab of power from cities, counties and communities.

frpm: Daily News Journal

AT&T cable bill holds no promise for state consumers
By MARGARET MAHERY

NASHVILLE — Like a bad blind date, AT&T's cable and video service legislation fails to live up to the grand promises and high expectations which preceded its introduction.

from: Belleville News Democrat

Cable competition bill passes Senate

DAVID A. LIEB
Associated Press

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Senators signed off on legislation Tuesday intended to give TV viewers more choices than their current cable and satellite companies.

The bill would make it easier for telecommunications companies such as AT&T Inc. to begin offering television service to Missourians over their phone and Internet wires. Senators passed the bill 32-2, sending the measure to the House.

from: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

You had to expect it: Video franchise bill hits TV

Sunday, February 18, 2007, 10:40 AM

The first campaign ad of the ‘08 session of the state Legislature has hit the small screen. Sounds strange, doesn’t it?

This page last updated 4/29/07
Recent State News via saveaccess: newswire

Bill Number(s): AB207/SB107
Read SB 107, Bill Status
Read AB207, Bill Status, companion to SB107

This page last updated 4/7/07
Recent State News via saveaccess: newswire

Bill Number(s):
HB 1983 Read Bill
SB 6003 Read Bill