Save Access

from: OakRidger

AT&T still wants statewide franchises

By: John Huotari | John.huotari@oakridger.com

AT&T is still pursuing legislation that would allow a statewide franchise for video services that could compete with cable television.

If approved, the legislation would keep the giant phone and communications company from having to negotiate individual franchise rights with more than 300 local governments, AT&T officials said.

from: Daily Cardinal

Cable bill must provide protection
By: The Daily Cardinal Editorial Board /The Daily Cardinal

Cable compeition bill will only be ready for passage once customers are guaranteed protection

According to Chad Vader—a local, if fictional, benefactor of public access television—Wisconsin’s Cable Competition Bill (AB 207) crushes provisions for the sustained existence of public access funding and consumer protections.

from: Badger Herald

Mayor dislikes cable proposal

by Cara Harshman
Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Mayor Dave Cieslewicz released a statement Friday expressing his concerns with the newly passed video franchise bill — a bill that would transfer the power to grant video franchises from local municipalities to state government.

from: Fighting Bob

PoisonBill.com
By Cynthia Laitman

Except for the heroic minority who voted “no” (Sens. Risser, Carpenter, Erpenbach, Jauch, Kreitlow, Lassa, Miller, Robson and Vinehout), the state Senate reached a new low in its disregard for the public interest by rushing to approve the corporate-backed cable bill. Promoted by AT&T and its industry allies, this bill guarantees decreased competition and higher prices for consumers -- the opposite of what its backers have so disingenuously claimed.

from: Waxing America

November 12, 2007
Reflections on the AT&T Cable Bill and the Wisconsin Sell Out

The comments from the supporters of the AT&T cable legislation that passed the Wisconsin Senate make it obvious they never intended to honestly discuss the issue.

All they say is that the bill will bring competition to Wisconsin.

from: Jackson Sun

AT&T seeks state bill
Legislation would create franchising agreement

By NED B. HUNTER
nhunter@jacksonsun.com

Proponents of a state bill that would create a single franchising agreement with AT&T and all local communities will attempt to get the legislation passed when the General Assembly reconvenes in January.

To Community Access Television Supporters:
Last night, Thursday, November 8, was very disappointing. AB207 passed 23 to 9 in the Wisconsin Senate. The bill must go back to the Assembly for minor adjustments to make both versions match, but additional changes are not likely to be made by the Republican-controlled Assembly. The AT&T lobbyists were positively giddy toward the end of the evening. Their bill had passed with barely a change, barely a nod to the concerns of Wisconsin residents.

Community Access Television Supporters:

Last night, Thursday, November 8, was very disappointing. AB207 passed 23 to 9 in the Wisconsin Senate. The bill must go back to the Assembly for minor adjustments to make both versions match, but additional changes are not likely to be made by the Republican-controlled Assembly. The AT&T lobbyists were positively giddy toward the end of the evening. Their bill had passed with barely a change, barely a nod to the concerns of Wisconsin residents.

from: Wisconsin Democracy Campaign

Cable Bill Supporters Got 12 Times More Than Foes