Congressman Peter Welch's Letter to the FCC regarding potential changes to the cable act

The Honorable Ajit V. P'ai 

Chairman

455 12th street, southwest 

Washington, DC, 20544 
 

Re: FCC docket "Implementation of.Section 621(a)(l) of the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 as Amended by the Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992" (MB Docket No. 05-311)
 

Dear Chairman Pai: 

We write to express our deep concern about the harm that could be inflicted in rural communities by decisions made by the Commission in MB Docket No. 05-311. Specifically, we believe the outcome of this proceeding could jeopardize vital funding for our public, educational, or governmental (PEG) stations as-well-as the ongoing effort to wire·our schools and other public buildings for broadband. 

 

As you know, PEG stations provide Americans with dynamic opportunities to connect with each other and their local governments that are not otherwise available. They provide coverage of local government meetings, news from college campuses, commercial-free and locally produced content, and emergency alerts and directives. We are deeply concerned that the outcome of this proposal could jeopardize these important services.

 

Under the Communications Act, local governments can require, as part of cable franchise agreements that cable operators meet demonstrated community needs by setting aside channels for PEG stations. The proposal in this docket would allow operators to deduct from franchise fees paid to PEG stations the value of these channels as well as the value of any In-kind services they provide, including wiring schools for broadband. The resulting reduction in revenue could threaten the very existence of PEG stations and force local governments to choose between funding the stations or other vital services and institutions. Such an outcome is unacceptable.

 

As the Commission deliberates in this docket, we urge you to take no action that threatens the viability and sustainability of PEG stations that our constituents depend on especially those in rural communities. 

Thank you for your attention to this issue. 

 

Peter Welch

Member of Congress

 

Chellie Pingree

Member of Congress