Save Access

from: TATOA

Letter to Tennessee PEG from TATOA

Texas Association of Telecommunication Officers and Advisors(TATOA)
P.O. Box 1088, Austin, Texas 78767

January 22, 2008

Dear Tennessee colleagues:

I understand that you are considering legislation that would undo the current system of local franchising for cable television services in favor of a state-issued certificate for new entrants such as AT&T. Because Texas is frequently referenced by proponents of this legislation (such as AT&T and “astroturf” groups like TV4US) as a “success story” for state-issued franchising legislation, we felt it would be important to correct some popular misconceptions about our experience in the Lone Star State.

from: WBHS9

How will AT&T's Legislation affect Channel 9?

Dear Editor:

Your recent article regarding AT&T’s proposed legislation stirred a response from Paul Stinson, Manager of Regulatory and External Affairs for AT&T. On January 7th, a meeting was held with Mr. Stinson, Mr. Keidel, a concerned parent and me. After the meeting I sat down and composed a list comparing the status quo with what AT&T has proposed for Access channels like WBHS9.

from: Cleveland Daily Banner

Watson seeks citizens’ input on video measure

By David Davis Managing Editor

Published January 24, 2008 10:45 AM EDT

A local state representative is asking for citizen input on a bill authorizing statewide franchises to companies providing video services.

from: Murfreesboro Post

Oh, yeah, let’s make AT&T only answer to the state. That’ll work
By MIKE PIRTLE, Publisher/President

Those of you old enough to remember the popular TV show, “Laugh-in,” probably also remember an ongoing skit by Lilly Tomlinson in which she portrayed a telephone operator.

Ex-officials take sides in cable fight
from: Knox News

Roles of former Bredesen adviser, deputy gov. questioned

By Tom Humphrey
Thursday, January 24, 2008

NASHVILLE - Former top-level officials of Gov. Phil Bredesen's administration are working for opposing sides in the legislative war between AT&T and the cable television industry, both men declaring that they are not lobbyists.

Note: Well this won't be the first time. AT&T once bought up several of the largest cable companies becoming the largest cable provider in the process - only to change course and sell at a 50 billion dollar loss. Instead they bet on their newly designed U-verse system, complete with exploding street-side telco boxes, buggy microsoft software and day-long national outages. But it's a company with deep pockets and stock analysts that look the other way, they can always buy the cable companies back again. Tennessee legislators should take note!

from: The Tennessean

Aide's new job raises no flags for Bredesen

By BONNA JOHNSON • Staff Writer • January 18, 2008

Gov. Phil Bredesen said he sees no ethical conflict with his communications director leaving his staff to work for a public affairs firm that represents AT&T, which is engaged in a fierce legislative battle with cable companies.

from: KnoxNews

Bredesen may weigh in on cable-permitting fight
Governor says broadband coverage isn't adequate
ERIK SCHELZIG
Associated Press
Friday, January 18, 2008

NASHVILLE - Gov. Phil Bredesen said Thursday that he may get involved in a contentious proposal to change cable-permitting rules in Tennessee to encourage broadband access around the state.

from: Nashville Public Radio

WPLN News Transcripts
Produced daily by your WPLN News Staff

Governor Says He’ll Push For Broadband Expansion

Thursday, January 17th, 2008

Governor Phil Bredesen says he’s not on the side of either AT&T or Comcast in their fight over a state franchising bill. The governor says instead, he’s focused on the availability of broadband computer coverage in Tennessee. He says the concurrent coverage isn’t adequate.

from: Jackson Sun

Bredesen may weigh in on fight over cable
The Associated Press

NASHVILLE — Gov. Phil Bredesen says he may get involved in a contentious proposal to change cable permitting rules in Tennessee to encourage broadband access around the state.

Bredesen, a Democrat, stayed out of last year’s legislative fight over the measure that would create statewide franchising rules that would allow companies like AT&T Inc. to avoid having to seek hundreds of municipal permits as it enters the cable TV business.