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Send FCC Chairman Martin a Heart(ache)

Free Press is running this campaign to send FCC Chairman Martin a valentine, asking that he stop the growing media conglomerates, prevent phone companies from destroying Net Neutrality and help foster more diverse voices and points of view.

It's a light piece and we encourage you to play along in the fun at http://www.freepress.net/valentine/

from: On The Media

Commerce Claws
February 09, 2007

50-year Congressional veteran John Dingell (D-MI) took over leadership of the Commerce Committee last month. He tells us he’s none too happy with the FCC’s recent performance. And he plans to tell the commissioners why in a public hearing next week.

Tell the House Commerce
Subcommittee to Stop the FCC!

TAKE ACTION - SEND THIS LETTER TODAY!

from: Huffington Post

Steve Rosenbaum

Gov. Spitzer Makes the Web Waves, But Will the Empire State Truly Embrace Openness?

If you were the Governor of New York, and you'd just been sworn into office, what would your first act be?

Well - for Elliot Spitzer, the decision he made should prove to be both a clue about the kind of Governor he'll be and what the future of politics may hold.

From: IL Daily Herald

'Astroturf' groups represent industries, not members

By Anna Marie Kukec
Daily Herald Business Writer
Posted Sunday, February 11, 2007

A group called TV4US Coalition placed advertising inserts in newspapers statewide last week aiming to “educate” consumers on how to get better, more competitive rates for television in Illinois.

from: Waxing America

AT&T Seeks Wisconsin Statewide Video Franchise

A Senate hearing Wednesday was the first visible action on AT&T's push to have Wisconsin law changed to bypass municipalities and create statewide video franchises. Senator Plale's Committee on Commerce, Utilities and Rail held an informational hearing (no bill has yet been officially introduced) on AT&T's proposal to allow it to upgrade its network to offer a video product wherever it sees fit. AT&T and its lead Assembly advocate, Representative Phil Montgomery, argued for quick state action to avoid municipal delay and bring "badly needed" competition to Wisconsin consumers. Officials from large and small cities, cable industry representatives, and local access channel users defended the existing of local control, and called for fairness and reasonable deliberation on a complex and important issue. Don't count on it.

from: Towson Times

Towson, Cockeysville up first for Verizon cable?

02/09/07
by Bryan P. Sears

Cable competition is coming to Baltimore County.

The County Council is expected to vote March 5 on a 15-year cable franchise contract negotiated with Verizon.

from: tennessean.com

Friday, 02/09/07
Local control ensures competition is fair

By STACEY BRIGGS
Stacey Briggs is executive director of the Tennessee Cable Telecommunications Association.

Metro Council member Lynn Williams is rolling out the red carpet for AT&T/BellSouth, inviting the company to meet with Metro government and begin the process of gaining a franchise to provide video services to Davidson County residents.

from: Mid Hudson News

Municipal leaders fear loss of cable TV revenues

Poughkeepsie – Town supervisors and village mayors are concerned about possible legislation in Albany that could result in a loss of cable TV franchise fees to the municipalities.

LaGrange Supervisor Jon Wagner is the new president of the Dutchess County Supervisors and Mayors Association, and he said the local officials are concerned about the potential loss of funds.

from: Nashville City Paper

AT&T, cable industry ready to face off

By John Rodgers, jrodgers@nashvillecitypaper.com
February 08, 2007

AT&T and the state’s cable industry are set for a battle at the state Capitol concerning television franchising rights, and if AT&T is successful, Comcast could have a major competitor in Nashville.