Save Access

from: Chicago Tribune

TV Standards

May 8, 2007
By Cal Audrain

The Tribune’s May 1 editorial “Bring on cable competition” correctly points out that protection of public access channels is achievable in statewide legislation. Unfortunately that has not been true in the majority of the states where AT&T-backed legislation has passed to date.

from: The Badger Herald

Assembly to pass cable bill, try to up competition

by Keegan Kyle
Tuesday, May 8, 2007

The state Assembly is expected to pass its version of a bill tomorrow that aims to increase cable competition and reduce service rates across Wisconsin.

The bill would allow the Department of Financial Institutions to grant statewide revenue-sharing contracts with cable and other video service providers. Proponents say the streamlined service — currently managed by local municipalities — would lead to more competition.

from: Chicago Tribune

Elected officials learn- in Vegas
Cable TV industry sponsors junket

By Jeffrey Meitrodt and Monique Garcia
Tribune staff reporters
Published May 8, 2007

SPRINGFIELD -- With lawmakers wrestling over a highly contentious bill that would dramatically overhaul the cable television business in Illinois, the industry took at least 11 House and Senate members to Las Vegas last weekend for schmoozing and schooling.

from: TMC net

Will New Cable Law in Florida Slash Costs?

TMCnet News
May 07, 2007

The Consumer Choice Act of 2007 is expected to make small, perhaps subtle changes in the law, which will allow more competition to enter the market and offer consumers greater choice and access to new technologies, at a lower cost. Indeed, technologies guided by law often become more affordable to consumers, as there is greater competition to offer higher quality products, but to offer them at a lower price. But, the new Consumer Choice Act will bring about a fundamental shift in the issuance of cable franchises in the state.

E-mail the members of the E&PU committee today!

from: Beacon Journal

AT&T cable bill gets revise in Ohio
Hudson, Wadsworth to keep local channels

Posted on Mon, May. 07, 2007
By Dennis J. Willard
Beacon Journal Columbus Bureau

COLUMBUS - A bill designed to let AT&T get into the cable television business through the Internet is being rewritten after opponents that operate local public access stations and enter into franchise contracts with providers mounted a campaign to stop it.