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from: Times-Reporter

Lawmakers Seek to End Local Franchise Agreements in Ohio

May 11, 2007
By Paul E. Kostyu

Cable television bills could go down if backers of legislation passed in the Ohio Senate are right. If they’re wrong – expect to pay more or not be able to get service at all.

Senate Bill 117, which overwhelmingly passed this week, creates a state franchising system for cable systems and ends local agreements with individual companies. It’s a fundamental change in how cable companies operate in Ohio.

from: Cleveland Plain Dealer

Senate committee passes bill that may trump cable deals
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Aaron Marshall
Plain Dealer Reporter

Columbus- Municipal officials and public-access advocates still weren't happy with it, but state lawmakers Tuesday passed a bill out of committee anyway that wipes out local cable franchise agreements in favor of a single statewide standard.

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.

from: Marietta Times

Council agrees to oppose cable regulation bill

By Sam Shawver, sshawver@mariettatimes.com

Following some discussion, Marietta’s City Council on Thursday adopted a resolution opposing a bill in the Ohio Senate that provides for state regulation of local cable franchises.

from: The News Herald

The whole thing stinks
04/29/2007

Imagine for a moment that there's an emergency at the Perry Nuclear Power Plant in North Perry. Officials need to get information out quickly.

Aside from news media, safety forces likely would turn to local public access channels on cable television. The message would scrawl across the bottom of television screens, alerting people to a problem.

from: News Herald

Cable bill stirs access concern
Jenny May/JMay@News-Herald.com
04/29/2007

Mentor among cities opposed to Ohio Senate bill that limits rights for individual towns

Each week, Mentor resident Sara Shaner looks forward to watching Channel 12, her city's local cable-access channel.

from: Vindy.com

Council voices opposition to cable measure
By WILLIAM K. ALCORN

VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER

STRUTHERS — City council opposes a proposed state law that would eliminate local control of cable television providers and cost the city in excess of $100,000 a year.

Auditor Tina Morell said that Struthers will realize about $108,000 in 2007 from a cable franchise fee and that it increases slightly each year.

from: Callahan's Diary

The SB 117 hearing