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from: Associated Press

Doyle Supports Changes Made to Cable Bill

November 9, 2007

Gov. Jim Doyle says he doesn’t oppose the relatively minor changes made to a cable competition bill passed by the Senate.

Doyle still isn’t saying whether he will sign the bill. But the governor says he does think it will achieve its goal of increasing competition in the cable TV market.

from: WBAY

Senate passes cable competition bill

Associated Press - November 8, 2007 9:45 PM ET

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - AT & T would be able to more easily compete in Wisconsin under a bill that passed the state Senate today with bipartisan support.

The proposal would do away with local franchise agreements for offering cable TV services in place since the 1970s. Instead, a single statewide license would be issued.

from: Capital Times

AT&T Twists the Truth on Video Competition Bill

November 8, 2007
By Mary Cardona

AT&T lobbyists are gifted at twisting the truth. I’ve seen the inspired work of this intense and expensive propaganda campaign; with enough money, you can get people to believe the direct opposite of what is true.

from: Daily Cardinal

State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout explains why the cable competition bill should not be passed

The Daily Cardinal

Vinehout offers reasons to hold off now and wait for a better version of the bill

When you write the rules, you win the game. This week in the Senate, the fight will be over the rules governing the delivery of cable television, internet and telephone services for the foreseeable future. What kind of companies will get to compete? What rights will consumers have? Will local government have a say? At stake are billions of dollars.

from: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Cable TV Legislation Doesn’t Serve Consumers

November 7, 2007
By Cynthia J. Laitman

The state Senate today will be asked to vote on a bill, co-sponsored by Rep. Phil Montgomery (R-Ashwaubenon) and Sen. Jeff Plale (D-South Milwaukee), that would drastically reduce Wisconsin’s control over our cable and broadband infrastructure.

from: Daily Cardinal

Senate Democrats divided on new amendment to cable bill
By: Sara Lieburn /The Daily Cardinal

The cable bill will be voted on by the full state Senate tomorrow, though some Senate Democrats disagree over the level of consumer protections present in the bill’s language. The bill has already passed the Assembly.

from: WRN.com

WRN News
Vote expected on cable deregulation bill
Thursday, November 8, 2007, 12:36 AM
by John Colbert, WIBA

Opponents of a cable TV franchising bill that's up for a vote in the state Senate today are making a last-ditch attempt at changes. Fifteen Assembly Democrats are asking the Senate author of the bill to accept amendments that assure consumer protections for cable customers, if the measure becomes law.

from: Madison.com

Bill Moyers Journal seeks the 'teletruth' about cable deregulation

Show to shadow watchdog group founder today

Judith Davidoff — 11/08/2007 9:02 am

The cable deregulation bill before the state Senate today is drawing national attention.

A film crew and reporter from Bill Moyers Journal will be in Madison to cover the vote and to shadow Cynthia Laitman, the co-founder of the statewide chapter of TeleTruth, a telecommunications watchdog group.

from: Madison.com

Make a place for rural Wisconsin

An editorial — 11/08/2007 9:12 am

The AT&T-sponsored cable franchise bill now being rushed through the state Senate would have a devastating impact on rural areas, and legislators from those areas want to address the problems with the measure before it expands an already serious "digital divide."

from: Journal Sentinel

City fears loss of cable pacts
Will providers opt out if state bill passes?

By STEVEN WALTERS
swalters@journalsentinel.com
Posted: Nov. 6, 2007

Madison - Milwaukee's cable franchise administrator said Tuesday he expects that AT&T and Time Warner would opt out of their city contracts and apply for state-issued franchises, if a bill up for a Senate vote this week becomes law.