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from: MyDD

On Building a Progressive Governing Coalition Around Net Neutrality

by Matt Stoller, Wed Dec 06, 2006 at 12:59:58 PM EST

Last year, we could throw wrenches into the works and call it a victory. This year, we're going to try to govern, and this means that we actually have to accomplish stuff. And based on what I'm seeing on the net neutrality front, the progressive movement has a lot of work to do. Take net neutrality for instance.

from: Boston Globe

FCC may ease way for telecoms to sell TV

By Bloomberg News | December 7, 2006

WASHINGTON -- The US Federal Communications Commission may vote on Dec. 20 to make it easier for AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. to sell television service, FCC chairman Kevin Martin said.

from: Broadcasting & Cable

Martin Pitches Telco-Aid Package

By John Eggerton 12/6/2006

It looks as though FCC Chairman Kevin Martin could beat Congress to the punch of revising the video franchising process, including putting a shot clock on local franchising authorities, a cap on franchise fees, a limit on build-out requirements, and perhaps maintaining rules preventing exclusive programming contracts between cable operators and programmers in which they have an interest.

from: Austin American Statesman

COMMENTARY

Williams: In defense of local control

Chad Williams, AUSTIN COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

After 22 consecutive years of telecommunications deregulation, the law that ensures consumer protection and local control is in jeopardy.

Interesting quotes from a FCC commissioner seemingly at a loss to explain his position and role in regulating a democratic system of communications. McDowell should return to the private sector as soon as possible and leave government to those that understand its function and meaning.

from: TV Week

FCC's McDowell Touts Free Markets to Analysts

This week's astroturf candidate: The National Black Caucus of State Legislators

from: Broadcasting & Cable

Black Legislators Back Light Regulatory Touch

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 12/5/2006

With prospects dimming for national video franchise reform legislation anytime soon, the battle over the issue of network neutrality continues on the state level.

three articles from Albany NY

from: WNYT - Albany

Albany group demands public access TV
Advocates want channel similar to what other cities have
ALBANY, Dec. 4
By BILL LAMBDIN

Some Albany citizens want their own cable television channel. They're demanding that the city negotiate the kind of public access channel many other municipalities already offer.

from: Kalamazoo Gazette

Lawmakers need time on cable franchise bill
Monday, December 4, 2006

The state Legislature is rushing to complete several bills and, in that rush, there is a danger that legislation may be passed hastily that requires more time and thought.

from: LA Times

Congress likely to hang up on ’06 telecom reform

By Jim Puzzanghera
Los Angeles Times

WASHINGTON – Big phone companies trying to dial in an overhaul of telecommunications laws will have to hang up and try the call again next year.

The Democratic takeover of Congress makes it increasingly unlikely that AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. will be able to push through stalled legislation to make it easier for them to sell pay television.

from: Springfield News Leader

CABLE ORDINANCE

City made wrong choice on new law

As the state House of Representatives member from District 135, I've had the opportunity to discuss key issues with hundreds of constituents during my two years in office. One issue that I learned was very important to these voters is the ongoing cable rate increases and their desire for elected officials to do something about it.