Testimony of Alliance for Community Media

"Congress has traditionally recognized the need to foster localism in communications. At a time when studies show that less than 0.5% of programming on commercial television is local public affairs, PEG centers serve the people in your home town, city, and district. The November 3 Staff draft bill, however, would directly and substantially threaten the future of PEG programming throughout the nation. PEG access is only possible if there are adequate funds to support it. The overwhelming majority of PEG funding comes from two sources: (1) monetary and in kind support for PEG capital facilities and equipment from the cable operator over and above the 5% cable franchise fee that is required by the local franchise agreement; and (2) contribution by the local franchising authority of a portion of the 5% cable franchise fee to PEG. The November 3 House Staff draft bill, however, would eliminate one of those sources of funds to support PEG, and substantially reduce the other."