Congressman Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin has made her point about the importance of PEG channels and received a commitment from House House Energy & Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman to look into the issue of access to PEG channels.
The committment came during committee discussion on the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (HR 3101), which passed out of committee Wednesday on a voice vote. During the committee meting, Rep. Baldwin agreed to withdraw an amendment to the bill on PEG channels that could have slowed its progress. The amendment was based on legislation introduced by Congresswoman Baldwin, HR 3745, the Community Access Preservation Act.
She had asked for assurances that the committee would take up PEG issues "in the near future." Those issues included the move of PEG channels from analog to digital tiers, the clustering on digital channels on subchannels to a single, menu-driven channel, and other moves by cable operators that that she argues can make them harder to access, including for the disabled.
H.R. 3745 would, among other things, allow PEG fees to be used for any PEG related purpose; require PEG channels to be carried in the same manner as broadcast channels; and require the FCC to study the impact state video franchise laws have had on PEG channels. Both the Alliance for Community Media (ACM), and the National Association of Telecommuications Officers and Advisors are urging local units to adopt a resolution support the legislation and contact their federal representatives.
Arnold Weinfeld covers federal issues for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.
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