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from: KnoxNews.com

Cable industry, local governments oppose AT&T's request for statewide franchise

By KARIN MILLER, news@knoxbusinessjournal.com
April 16, 2007

The biggest — and almost certainly the most expensive — battle on Capitol Hill this year is over an effort by telecommunications giant AT&T to enter the cable television business in Tennessee.

from: Nashville City Paper

Rural lawmakers want AT&T bill to expand broadband to their areas

By John Rodgers
April 16, 2007

State lawmakers from rural areas say that a major bill backed by AT&T to get the company into the television business needs to include provisions to expand broadband Internet into rural parts of the state as well.

from: Shelbyville Times Gazette

AT&T wants to bypass local franchising

Monday, April 16, 2007
By Clint Confehr

LEWISBURG -- Competition for cable TV customers lowered rates elsewhere and a state senator is sponsoring legislation to create statewide franchising for companies delivering TV channels through wires, he said Friday night.

from: Blog for Iowa

Action Needed on PATV Law

Please contact your State Representative today about Senate file 554 (video franchise bill) that passed the Senate and is currently in the State House. If the bill passes before April 27 PATV could lose funding. Programs such as Democracy Now! could be threatened.

from: Tallahassee.com

Bill would close loopholes for cable competition

By Walter Dartland
Originally published April 14, 2007

As consumer issues go, bringing competition and choice to cable is a goal that has been long in coming. Across the board, consumer groups have fought for years to give cable customers additional options. Unfortunately, the telecom industry has marshaled its considerable resources to hijack our hard work on cable choice to force through anti-consumer legislation under the false mantle of competition.

from: Commerical Appeal.com

Competition' could have heavy cost

April 15, 2007

I've waited on the phone 40 minutes for billing assistance and tried repeatedly and unsuccessfully to use features on digital cable that, at one time, worked.

Yes, I am a voice in that growing chorus -- the one cursing the cable giant, Comcast. Now that AT&T is offering an alternative and promising competitive rates, my instinct is to open my arms and give this iconic American company a big Mid-South hug. Then I remember what I would be welcoming into my home.

from: Commerical Appeal.com

Bills would create digital 'haves' and 'have-nots'

April 15, 2007
Cable TV prices only seem to move in one direction -- up and then up some more.

So in theory, letting phone companies shift into the TV business should be a good thing. But a bill now moving through the Tennessee legislature that promises more video competition could actually leave most Tennessee consumers with higher bills and fewer benefits.

from: Commerical Appeal.com

Editorial 04/15
Don't be misled on cable law

April 15, 2007

The experiences are familiar to many cable television customers throughout the Mid-South: Channels that go fuzzy for unexplained reasons. Bills that go up with little or no warning. Calls seeking customer service that go nowhere fast.

from: Commercial Appeal.com

Cable clash
Gloves are off as AT&T's bid to enter market nears showdown

By Richard Locker
April 15, 2007

NASHVILLE -- You've seen the TV ads in the big fight in the Tennessee legislature among the cable industry, the telephone giant that wants into the cable business, and local governments wanting to retain their authority to award cable franchises.

from: Tallahassee.com

Sunday My View: Cable franchise laws and the public interest

By Andy Opel
Originally published April 14, 2007

As the Florida Legislature is considering significant changes to the laws that govern cable TV, broadband Internet and other emerging digital media technologies, a review of what is at stake may help us understand this technology puzzle.