FCC Creates a Climate of Chaos over Video Franchising

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FCC CREATES A CLIMATE OF CHAOS OVER VIDEO FRANCHISING
[SOURCE: Alliance for Community Media press release]
In another blow to consumers and cities, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is expected soon to decree that any company now under contract with a local government to provide video services may have the right to renegotiate better terms for itself, putting at risk America’s public access channels, first-responder communications capability, and millions of dollars in franchise fees used by cities and towns for public safety and infrastructure. NATOA, the National League of Cities, and several organizations representing consumers, cities, towns, counties and non-profits are already suing the FCC over its initial order of last March, which in their view improperly strips local governments of their authority to protect the public health, education, welfare and safety of local residents, in violation of the Cable Act. The latest effort by the FCC, far from simplifying or streamlining matters, would only multiply the potential problems and disputes that cities have with cable operators.
http://www.ourchannels.org/?p=105