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LWVN requests reversal of changes to the Cable Communications Policy Act

June 28, 2019

June 28, 2019

Mr. Ajit Pai, Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554

Dear Chairman Pai:

We, the League of Women Voters of Newton [Massachusetts] (LWVN), are writing to ask you to please reverse your change to section 621(a)(1) of the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984.

Under existing FCC rules, towns and cities are allowed to negotiate franchise agreements with cable television providers. The municipalities can require in their agreements that the cable companies meet certain community needs such as setting aside channels for public, educational or governmental (PEG) access. These needs are funded by the franchise fee in the cable bill customers receive each month.

The FCC’s proposal would permit cable companies to assign a value to these channels, deem them in-kind contributions and then subtract that amount, and the value they place on any other in-kind contributions, from the franchise fees the cable company pays the local community, known legally as the local franchising authority (LFA). These in-kind contributions could include free or reduced cable connections to town halls, interactive program guides etc.

It is our understanding that by allowing cable companies to reduce franchise fees by the value of in-kind donations, funding for local PEG stations would be reduced by 30 to 70 percent a year, depending on the community.  NewTV, our local access station, uses revenue to provide access to equipment, expertise, local and government programming, School Committee and City Council meetings that you would not see on commercial channels.

If  this ruling is allowed to stand, NewTV would lose much of this income.  Please let us highlight why this is important to Newton, Massachusetts:

  • At this time, due to the reduction in newspaper coverage, NewTV is a main source of local news educational material for our city.
  • Programming by individuals and the League of Women Voters addresses such things as the environment, transportation, and housing. Also, of course, City Council and School Committee meetings are televised.
  • NewTV and the League of Women Voters provide non-partisan information to voters by producing candidate forums.
  • Without a strong medium that can facilitate communication with the city, there is no independent source of information.

Without Local Access television, the League at the state and local level will struggle to achieve its mission: “The League of Women Voters of Massachusetts (LWVMA), a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.”

Therefore we ask that you please reverse your decision.

Sincerely yours,

 

Marcia Johnson
President, League of Women Voters, Newton

Categories: Local Action Log

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

The League registers voters and educates them about the important issues and challenges facing Newto

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

3 days ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
National Voter Registration Day is Sept 19!Make sure you're #VoteReady in 2023 by checking your voter registration status on MA's online voter registration site, especially if you haven't voted in awhile or your life has included any of the following:🚚 a move💍 name change🇺🇸 new US citizenship🎂 an 18th birthdayAnd, this is a good day to remind your family, friends, and neighbors to register & vote in the upcoming local elections! ... See MoreSee Less
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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

1 week ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
In this month's episode of The League Presents, learn about the Village Center Overlay District Ordinance from Jennifer Caira – Deputy Director, Planning & Development Department and Councilor Deb Crossley – Chair Zoning & Planning Committee. ... See MoreSee Less

The League Presents - Zoning Redesign 111

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Marcia Johnson, Jennifer Cairo and Deb Crossley discuss the Newton Zoning Redesign.

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

3 weeks ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
The preliminary election for Ward 2 and 6 is September 12. Mark your calendar and make your voting plan. Learn about the candidates and get voting information here: lwvnewton.org/2023/08/newton-preliminary-election-tuesday-september-12-2023/ ... See MoreSee Less

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

3 months ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
In the last few days of Pride Month, check out these two informative programs by the League of Women Voters of Newton, MA1) The League Presents... Pride Month Edition - A Conversation with Newton Youth: lwvnewton.org/2023/06/the-league-presents-pride-month-edition-a-conversation-with-newton-youth/ 2) LGBTQ+ Backlash: What you can do to push back. View the recoding here: lwvnewton.org/2023/06/video-presentation-anti-lgbtqia-backlash-what-can-you-do-to-push-back/ ... See MoreSee Less

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

4 months ago

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Anti-LGBTQIA+ initiatives are taking root throughout the country and Newton is not immune. Hear from the ACLU’s Ruth Bourquin about the context, consequences, and responses to the anti-LBGTQIA+ backlash at this month’s virtual topic meeting. This meeting is free and open to the community. Register in advance: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lfuyhrzwtGNTYlmG-GpCBxTa1Z5MS81Ga#/registration ... See MoreSee Less

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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging the informed and active participation of citizens in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy.

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