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LA: TV4US Astroturf Org Active in Louisiana

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 07:57:54 -0400

Wednesday, March 26, 2008
TV4US Astroturf Org Active in Louisiana

Well, we knew it was coming. The legislature is coming back in session and the latest push to take take local municipal property rights and hand them over to AT&T is back.

IN: Indiana’s TV Law Lauded

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 18:37:31 -0500

from: Multichannel News

Indiana’s TV Law Lauded
by Linda Haugsted -- Multichannel News, 3/3/2008

Ball State University researchers said Indiana’s 2006 telecommunications-reform bill has advanced the deployment of video and broadband services in the state, a finding disputed by incumbent cable operators.

When 'Civil Rights Groups' Become Paid ISP Lobbyists

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 08:27:25 -0500

from: Broadband Reports

When 'Civil Rights Groups' Become Paid ISP Lobbyists
And the technology press doesn't notice...
09:42AM Monday Mar 03 2008 by Karl

One of the most effective ways the phone companies have gotten what they want politically over the years is to fake the fact that they have consumer support. This is done via PR, farmed think tank science, hired bloggers (who don't allow comments), fake consumer groups and astroturf (fake grass roots) campaigns. Such efforts can make it appear that anti-consumer positions -- such as cherry picking broadband deployment or elimination of consumer protection laws -- have broad consumer support.

The Telecomms, Lobbyists, State Government and Big Media

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 11:17:19 -0500

from: BitchSlappin

The Telecomms, Lobbyists, State Government and Big Media
1/14/08

The small local independent papers are full of news that is NOT being picked up by Big Media, and when you put these pieces together it shows how broken things are. First are the stories about the big telecomms steamrolling into statehouses and buying state congressmen right and left, not to mention Governors, to get their state franchise legislation and deregulation pushed through, bad state legislation that trashes Public Access TV, lessens or trashes completely the ability for municipalities to control their own right of ways, allows the franchisees to cherry pick the areas they wish to serve, negates any oversight on the consumer complaint process, overrides current franchise agreements in place that provide access to libraries, schools and municipal government as part of the agreement, and all kinds of other giveaways. Then there are the stories of what has gone wrong in the states where state franchising exists.

Ten Worst Telco Moments of 2007

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 10:20:31 -0500

Note: Our list of Telco 'worst' moments would be a bit longer - and includes items like the ongoing attacks on PEG, exploding telco dslam boxes, and heavy-handed and costly political lobbying. But this list is a good start and it's safe to say the telcos and cablecos need a bit more watching.

from: Huffington Post

How much of your state’s legislation is being drafted by industry?

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 23:19:57 -0500

from: Nieman Watchdog

How much of your state’s legislation is being drafted by industry?

ASK THIS | November 30, 2007

The American Legislative Council, or ALEC, lets corporations cultivate legislators and win support for industry-written bills while not technically breaking lobbying rules – and paying no taxes. (First of two articles)

Corporate-funded research designed to influence public policy

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 19:13:41 -0400

from: Neiman Watchdog

Corporate-funded research designed to influence public policy

COMMENTARY | October 01, 2007

Reports by well-known think tanks and individuals funded by telecoms are helping quash competition, increase phone rates and set up a corporate-oriented Internet system. Is there any reason to trust these reports? Or to trust experts who testify before regulators without revealing the sources of their funding?

Opponents Slow Video Franchise Reforms

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 19:05:07 -0400

Note: This report riddled with inaccuracies and misleading conclusions is from one of our favorite astroturf think tanks. Heartland provides the industries that fund their 'research' with persuasive reports for misleading legislators.
from: Heartland Institute

Opponents Slow Video Franchise Reforms

WI: AT$T front group won't face legal investigation

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 08:41:05 -0400

from: National journal

AT&T-Backed Group Won't Face Wis. Probe

By Michael Martinez

(Monday, August 20) The top law enforcer in Wisconsin has decided not to formally investigate an advocacy group that misrepresented a pair of state lawmakers' positions on a pending telecommunications bill.

Will an "Exaflood" Slow Net Traffic?

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 08:39:40 -0400

Note: The word "exaflood" is worth watching and should be associated with the elimination of net neutrality since many of those engaged in this creative writing have that intention. Also, watch the Internet Innovation Alliance and their member orgs carefully.

from: Tech Policy Summit Blog

WI: New Coalition Attempts to Squash Controversial Cable Bill

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 08:23:39 -0400

from: Capital Times

New Coalition Attempts to Squash Controversial Cable Bill in Wisconsin

From Capital Times, July 11, 2007
By Judith Davidoff

Saying consumers have been excluded from the debate, a new coalition announced efforts today to fight efforts by AT&T and state legislators to deregulate the cable television industry.

WI: Teletruth Wisconsin Founded

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 20:11:58 -0400

from: Teletruth Wisconsin

Teletruth Wisconsin News Alert, July 11th, 2007.

Press Conference, Wednesday, July 11, 2007, 10 am,
Senate Parlor, State Capitol, Madison, Wisconsin.

Subject: To announce the creation of TeleTruth Wisconsin, a broad new alliance of citizen groups and individuals concerned about the pending cable TV legislation - SB 107 / AB 207 - being promoted by AT&T and their affiliate, TV4US.

Verizon, AT$T and the manipulation of public opinion

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 20:04:37 -0400

from: Neiman Watchdog

Verizon, AT&T and the manipulation of public opinion

COMMENTARY | April 04, 2007

Needed: Blacks, Hispanics, disabled, deaf, low-income and the elderly to support the telecoms’ positions on anti-consumer FCC rulings and legislation.

WI: Unreliable info on cable reform

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 19:06:38 -0400

Note: TV4US is up to their usual tricks, now in Wisconsin. Such dishonest campaigning on behalf of corporations (AT&T or anyone for that matter) should be made illegal. Unfortunately, a Bill doing as such was voted down by Republicans in Congress earlier this session.

from: The Capital Times

Unreliable info on cable reform

WI: Residents also irked by action on cable

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 11:08:55 -0400

from: Madison.com

Residents also irked by action on cable

MARK PITSCH

FRI., JUL 6, 2007 - 10:11 AM

Some Madison residents who told an advocacy group they supported competition for cable television providers said they're angry the group implied to state lawmakers that they endorsed specific legislation affecting cable TV.