Time Warner and AT&T have been making huge campaign donations to state officials to ensure the passage of SB117. SB117 eliminates local government control of cable. SB117 eliminates all local franchise agreements and gives control of the cable industry to the state. Sb117 eliminates all PEG funding including studios. SB117 supportors claimed that it would bring competition and lower rates to Ohioans. PEG channels are grandfathered until 2012 or the expiration of the current franchise whichever comes FIRST. Without funding, it hard to say how long communities such as Wadsworth, Dayton, Cincinnatti with be able to operate. Time Warner has the option to take back any PEG channel that are not "substantially used". Sb117 eliminates services such as free cable to senior citizen centers, classrooms and libraries,
Across the state of Ohio cities(including Dayton, Hudson, Cleveland,, Cincinnatti and Akron) passed resolutions against SB117.
Representatives from city councils and school boards across the state traveled to Columbus to testify in opposition to SB117.
In Texas, where similar legislation was passed, cable rates have increased. Tennessee recently decided that a similar bill was not good for the people of Tennessee.
Inspite of all this opposition, from mayors, city councils, and school boards, SB117 was passed and signed into law by Gov. Strickland 6/25/07
1 comment:
Prices always increase for cable. However is it not the fault of this kind of legislation.
The program providers (i.e. MTV, ESPN, etc) are the real culprit with automatic 5-10% annual prices hikes in their agreements with cable companies. What can a cable company do without ESPN or other programing other than go out of business????
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