mauro's blog

Many feel the Comcast/NBC merger is a bad idea for public access to the free flow of information. For example the following has been extracted from The CAP Times on line. More on the Comcast merger here
Some key quotes taken from the article:

"We are writing to express our opposition to Comcast Corp.'s acquisition of NBC Universal. If this deal is approved, it would further consolidate a U.S. media industry that is already controlled by a handful of corporate conglomerates. Localism, diversity, and competition in today's media, all of which are severely weak, would be nearly lost. At a time when it is critically important for the public to be able to access independent sources of information, we believe this acquisition should not go forward and urge you to reject it."

The following is from our friends at the Media Access Project. I blogged about this the other day:

Media Access Project (MAP) has been a strong voice of opposition to Comcast's
attempt to acquire NBC Universal, and has been busy providing guidance to
organizations and policymakers on the complex legal ramifications of the
proposed deal.

This merger would be the most prominent example of vertical integration in the
broadband era - it would lead to the union of the nation's largest cable TV
operator and Internet service provider with a major content provider.

The acquisition would be a dangerous deal for all Americans. At the local level,
it would cause an unacceptable level of consolidation in media ownership and
advertising in 11 of the biggest media markets around the country - including
San Francisco, Washington DC, Chicago, Philadelphia, Miami, and other cities.

The deal would also:

Yes, that is exactly what is going on at WCCA TV.

Thanks to Tracy for the edit and Isabella for helping create the music.

Every year Americans spend $14 Billion on Valentine’s Day.

In one day, we will spend what slave traders worldwide will profit over 6 months.

WE THINK ONE DAY CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING...

Diana's Love Story:
At 12, Diana attempted suicide. She was a victim of child sex slavery and the nightmare of her life had become too much. Today she loves life. She has been reintegrated after living in our safehome. Diana has a roommate (another girl from the Round Home) they both work at the same job and share an apartment. Read her love story... an more Here at 146's website

In today Worcester Telegram announces a huge loss for the people of EAST BROOKFIELD .

The Board of Selectmen last night signed a five-year cable TV contract renewal with Charter Communications, but the town will remain one of a few in the area not to provide local cable TV programming.

“We’re camera shy,” quipped Selectman Lawrence S. Gordon and Selectman Joseph R. Fish would have too much trouble trying to find someone to run the equipment.

Link to Telegram article

My Monday Email is full of cable related news.

FIrst of all, let's not forget that is also not just about access to news and information it is about WHO is communicating that news and information. That is why PUBLIC ACCESS is important because you decide what news is and the programming on the p ubilc access reflects your interest not the interest of a Verizon or Cablevision or a Comcast or a Charter, etc.

This spit-taking quote is ludicrous. "What was once a cable monopoly, Cablevision conceded to the court, "has been replaced by vibrant competition." Rather than being an MVPD bottleneck, Cablevision suggested, the market has been reshaped into a wide-necked vase in which all flowers can bloom."

As a colleague of mine, Chuck Sherwood, suggested, be reminded Cablevision and the few corporations who own the networks and cable companies also own those flowers.

Comcast's Promises Won't Help Consumers
Public Opposition to Comcast Takeover of NBC Is Growing.

The amount of BS these companies spew in order to sway public policy.

"Comcast's reputation for customer service ranks about one rung above Enron and Blackwater. The idea that it is magically going to be consumer friendly after it gets bigger doesn't pass the laugh test. Regulators at FCC and the Department of Justice should cut through the rhetoric and put a spotlight on the real problems with this kind of unprecedented media consolidation." Free Press Executive Director Josh Silver

Read more and scroll links fro further information.

Coral Seafood Restaurant on Thursday Feb. 4 ,5:30 to 7:30

Please come and support our community effort in helping Belmont Community
School staff and students. The damage has been a major setback and the
reality is many large and small everyday items need to be replaced.
Realizing that economic times are tough any and all donations would be
appreciated. Stop by and give your support its our time to come together for
our community.

State Senator Harriett Chandler, State Rep. Vincent Pedone, Mayor Joe
O'Brien , School Committee John Monfredo and I have worked very hard to
gain the support from corporations and business including spear heading this
event on Feb. 4.

I hope you can stop in. Thank you, Dianna

Dianna Biancheria

School Committee Member

Cell-508-868-4212

Mayor Joe O'Brien's Office announces the following and WCCA TV encourages all to participate in this worthy cause:

The earthquake that devastated Haiti on January 12th has affected more
than 3 million people. The relief needs are staggering and the people in
Haiti desperately need our support. Today, people are still being
rescued and more than a million people will need fresh water, food and
shelter.

Please join us for a special event, Worcester Cares for Haiti, this
Friday, January 22nd from 5:00 - 8:00 PM at Union Station. This event
will bring together the people of Worcester to highlight the various
efforts to support the people of Haiti. Local charities such as the
United Way, The American Red Cross and Catholic Relief Services will be
accepting donations that will go to support the immediate needs of the
people of Haiti.

Music will be provided by a terrific local band, Wilbur and the Dukes,

If you are interested in helping please pick up a form at WCCA TV 13
Sony Asmath, producer of the Haitian Show "Cultural Lakay TV", presented on WCCA TV 13, has forms ready to be picked up, filled out, and sumbitted with your donation.
Sony tells us that you can also visit the following web sites for a more convenient way to help out:
http://www.vele.org ,
http://www.sevedc.gov,
http://www.mass.gov ,
http://www.hacs.org , or Call Toll Free 1-888-529-9633

Thank you