Local Governments Ask Courts to Reverse FCC Ruling on Video Franchising

For Immediate Release Contacts: Sherry Conway Appel, 202-441-3160
April 3, 2007 Carolyn Coleman, 202-906-0240

Local Governments Ask Courts to Reverse FCC Ruling on Video Franchising

Washington , DC – Local government organizations representing municipal and county officials across America today asked the Federal courts to reverse the recent franchising order adopted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that would severely restrict the ability of local governments to protect their citizens, rights-of-way, community channels and public safety networks. In addition, the FCC order would lead to a tremendous reduction in the revenues received by local governments for use of their rights of way, as well as loss of cable services to many governmental buildings and schools.

The formal Petitions for Review filed today said the FCC order “exceeds the FCC’s statutory authority,” is “arbitrary and capricious,” “an abuse of discretion, unsupported by substantial evidence, and in violation of the United States Constitution.” The FCC order also “violates both the Communications Act and Administrative Procedure Act’s public notice requirements,” according to the Petitions.

Organizations participating in the court challenge to the FCC order include the Alliance for Communications Democracy (ACD), Alliance for Community Media (ACM), National Association of Counties (NACo), National League of Cities (NLC), National Association of Telecommunications Officials and Advisors (NATOA), and The United States Conference of Mayors (USCM).

According to these groups, the repercussions of the FCC’s order are far-reaching and extreme on numerous fronts. Local governments want competition in the video marketplace, but the FCC’s order ignores local interests, provides regulatory advantages for a few of the largest telecommunications companies in the country, and is simply contrary to law in many respects.

Local government representatives also expressed concern over the loss of protections for their residents if the FCC order were to stand. According to these officials, the order provides little recognition of the need by local governments to protect public rights of way, and to ensure that all their citizens benefit from increased competition and advances in telecommunications technology – not just a chosen few.

For more information, contact:

ACD: Barbara Popovic, 312-738-1400
ACM: Anthony Riddle, 202-393-2650
NACo: Jim Philipps, 202-942-4220
NLC: Sherry Conway Appel, 202-626-3003, or Carolyn Coleman, 202-626-3023
NATOA: Steve Traylor, 703-519-8035
USCM: Elena Temple, 202-861-6719