Franchise-Reform Bill Hits California Assembly

FRANCHISE-REFORM BILL HITS CALIFORNIA ASSEMBLY
[SOURCE: Multichannel News, AUTHOR: Linda Haugsted]
A cable-franchising-reform bill, in the works since last May, was introduced in California. The bill would allow new providers into the market 30 days after applying to the state Department of Corporations. Incumbent cable operators will oppose the bill unless amended, California Cable & Telecommunications Association president Dennis Mangers said. The bill was co-authored by Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez (D-Los Angeles) and Assemblyman Lloyd Levine (D-Van Nuys), chairman of the Assembly Utilities and Commerce Committee. At a Sacramento press conference Thursday morning, both stressed their belief that the bill will prompt broadband investment, create jobs and level the competitive playing field.
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6322864.html?display=Breaking+News

* Pay-TV Rules Change Sought
http://www.latimes.com/business/printedition/la-fi-video7apr07,1,3523221.story?coll=la-headlines-pe-business
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