Stop the FCC From Gutting Public Access Television

December 03, 2018

Speak up NOW for community media!

The Federal Communications Commission is planning to give cable companies a big gift this holiday season: a pass at paying for the use of our streets to run their wires into our homes. This may not sound like a big deal, but those fees support public access TV stations like Channel 17/Town Meeting Television, and if those payments go away, our media production training; coverage of local issues, elections, causes, and events; and thousands of hours of unique local programming will be in jeopardy.

Now is the time to make your voice heard by filing comments with the FCC opposing this change.  Please hurry, the deadline for comments is by 11:59 p.m. on December 14th!

Here's how you can help:

1. Write a brief letter, starting with this opening:

Date
The Honorable Ajit Pai, Chairman
The Honorable Michael O’Rielly, Commissioner
The Honorable Brendan Carr, Commissioner
The Honorable Jessica Rosenworcel, Commissioner

Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
455 12th Street
Southwest Washington, DC
20544 

Dear Chairman Pai,

I'm writing to support the Comments of the Cable Act Preservation Alliance (“CAPA”) and to disapprove of the proposals and tentative conclusions set forth in the FCC’s September 25 Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making in Implementation of Section 621(a)(1) of the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 as Amended by the Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992, MB Docket 05- 311.

Make sure to add your comments about why you think continued support of community media is important – describe how you use Channel 17/Town Meeting Television and how important it is in Vermont.

End with a closing requesting their continued support of community media, and sign your letter.

Click here for more suggestions from our friends at LCATV.

2. Upload your letter to the FCC website: 

Go to https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings

  • In “Proceedings” enter “05-311” 
  • In “Name of Filer” enter your name or your organization’s name
  • In “Type of Filing” select “Reply Comments” 
  • In “Address” enter your Address
  • Enter your City State and Zip Code
  • Attach your letter - Check “Email Confirmation”
  • Enter “Continue to Review Screen”
  • Enter “Submit” You should receive an email confirmation.

Please send a copy of your letter to feedback [at] cctv [dot] org

Learn more from recent local news coverage of this issue: