Chicago: A Test of Comcast Merger Promises

[Commentary] The Chicago Committee on Finance will begin consideration of the 10-year renewal of Comcast's cable franchise in Chicago at its March 4, 2014 meeting in City Hall. CAN TV, the organization I represent, was founded by Chicago cable ordinance 30 years ago as the most significant public benefit to come out of cable franchising. Since that time, thousands of Chicago groups and residents annually take advantage of training, facilities and channel time to create programs at CAN TV on health, job opportunities, arts initiatives, education issues, and more. In fact, more local programs are on CAN TV each week than on Chicago's broadcast stations combined. CAN TV's future ability to serve the public will be determined by the outcome of the negotiations currently taking place between the City of Chicago and Comcast. It will be a clear indicator of Comcast's commitment to the local community, particularly with the Time Warner merger deal now in the pipeline.