Big Apple Says Franchise Bills Bite

BIG APPLE SAYS FRANCHISE BILLS BITE
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
The New York City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to urge its Congressional representatives to oppose video franchise reform legislation currently being considered in Washington. "The City Council of New York opposes, and urges the New York Congressional Delegation and all other members of Congress to oppose, Senate bills S. 1349 and S. 1504 and House bill H.R. 3146, as well as COPE and any other similar legislative proposals." That news was being touted by the Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN), which oversees public access channels in the city and was pushing hard for the resolution. The council is concerned about eliminating local video franchises, saying in its resolution that the bill would "severely undermine community programming and the implementation of universal, affordable broadband access." MNN praised the 50-0 vote, which expressed opposition to both the House and Senate versions of franchise reform, as well as an earlier bill introduced by Senator Jay Rockefeller that backed national franchises. MNN said the vote sent "a strong message in support of local accountability and community media."
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6333860?display=Breaking+News