Marvin Gaye to City cable franchise process: "What's goin' on, what's goin' on, what's goin' on, what's goin' on..."

A City Hall insider lamented that Charter's subscribers levels are not as high these days as it could be. As if to suggest that may have an impact on PEG license funding.

The issue concerning the level of cable subscribers is a non-issue when it comes to franchise license fees because the license payments are based on a percentage of Charter's gross annual revenues NOT subscriber numbers. With cost for digital and expanded services and basic fees as well as, in addition to, phone services. Charter gross revenues are higher than ever.

IT IS NOT UP TO CHARTER TO DETERMINE THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. IT IS UP TO THE CITY BASED ON ASCERTAINMENT RESULTS. City officials have a responsibility in this process to ensure community needs are met no matter how Charter plays it's political game at city hall.

Such a comment about subscriber levels is disturbing because it illustrates a lack of understanding about the process. It is not that person's fault. It appears, according to one councilor, that there is little briefing or updates on this issue. As I understand it the city has not entered into formal negotiations yet so it begs the question why are so many stakeholders or those who are concerned about the status of the cable franchise renewal feel like they are left in the dark on this issue? To be fair, it may be that the city simply does not know either. One has to cnsider, however, that the city solicitor and the outsourced expert are very experienced and knowledgeable about the subject of cable franchise renewal. City Manager O'Brien makes a point to personally pay attention to many matters and usually does a good job in taking care of business and yet, many fear the potential for this matter to fall between the cracks. If so, it will be devastating for ALL the stake holders. Let's hope that doesn't happen.

To void the process from the public eye at this pre-formal level, including from our city council members does a disservice to the citizens of Worcester and to those who are very interested in the fate of our public access channels. City leaders and the people deserve to know what is going on and in addition must be educated in the realities of the process. Public Access is a bastion for free speech, WCCA is an important institution to many in this city. It is as important as most other city business and should not be pushed aside. No one can tell you what is going on. It does not reflect well on the city that no one seems to know what the city's intentions are or about the status of the situation relative to the renewal process. The cable franchise renewal is a strategic opportunity for Worcester. Let's hope for some good news soon.

Some comments I found relevant to my last blog and to the subscriber level issue apply:

"Before you get too concerned about the impact that the recent drop in the number of cable subscribers is having on gross revenues (and consequently, on franchise fees and maybe PEG support funding), keep in mind that the cable industry continues to rake in record amounts of revenues."
Randy

"Our franchise fee and capital funding is based on a percentage of gross. Each is at an all-time high."
Alan

"So, dwindling market share yet higher gross profits - and this is the 'competition' that passes 'savings' on to the consumer - right?"
Michael