LFA In-Kind NPRM Continues to Draw Locality Outcry
Localities continue to lobby against a Further NPRM that would treat cable operators' in-kind contributions required by local franchise authorities as franchise fees subject to a cap (see 1811150027). Costs that would fall on the city would be prohibitive to…
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continuing its local channel, Juneau, Wisconsin, said in a docket 05-311 posting Wednesday. The Portland Media Center, which provides public access TV services to part of Maine, said that broad definition of franchise fee "will shift the fair balance" between cable franchising authorities and cable operators, forcing communities to choose between franchise fees and public, educational and government channels. It waved off cable arguments such fees stifle innovation, pointing to increased channels, signal upgrades to digital and faster broadband. The Vermont Access Network, which facilitates creation of PEG programming, said this would create a cable operator/franchising authority imbalance.