Eshoo Raises Concerns About LFA FNRPM's Programming Implications
Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Calif., raised concerns about an FCC Further NPRM that would treat cable operators' in-kind contributions required by local franchise authorities as franchise fees and subject to a cap (see 1902040061). Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., previously raised concerns…
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about the FNPRM's effects on public, educational and government stations (see 1811270044). “This proposal could harm my constituents by reducing their access” to PEG programming “and I request that the FCC not take any actions to reduce access” to that content, Eshoo wrote Chairman Ajit Pai Friday. The proposal “would allow cable companies to deduct the fair market value of in-kind contributions, such as channels set aside for PEG from franchise fee obligations of cable companies. Given that many city, county, and state governments face budget constraints, this policy would force them to pick between continuing to receive franchise fee revenues and preserving access to PEG programming.”