keep it local

Keep It Local Update

Submitted by mauro on June 13, 2007 - 4:36pm.
in

David Newman from Keep It Local Network writes:

Congratulations on an overwhelming turnout at the State House on June 5th.

A well-deserved THANK YOU! to everyone who took the time to attend the hearing, testify, contact their legislator and send in letters to their hometown papers in an all out effort to protect local control. By filling the auditorium with hundreds of supporters sporting “Keep It Local” and “Don’t Mess with Access” stickers, we sent a clear and colorful message to the Telecommunications Committee that they ought to oppose the Verizon special deal legislation. With hundreds of municipal officials and PEG access advocates, we pointed out why changing the local franchising process is completely unnecessary and would jeopardize local authority and community access.

The numbers and arguments presented to the Committee also lead to an impressive amount of favorable news coverage.

Below are a few articles/links you may want to review, including Somerville Cable Access Television’s terrific overview of the day.

We’ll keep you posted on any future developments, but please help us continue to build support by signing up more friends and co-workers to the Network. Signing up more individuals, municipalities and organizations is the best way to maintain our strength and prepare for any new threats to local control. Just direct folks to www.keepitlocalma.com - where they can learn about the issue, review recent news, local resolutions and find a copy of the statement of support.

Thanks again for your help… it’s made a big difference.

http://www.scatstaffvlog.blogspot.com/

Somerville Cable: “Report On Verizon Bill State House Public Hearing”

http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2007/06/06/verizon_officials_catch_static_over_cable_tv_plan/

Boston Globe: “Verizon officials catch static over cable TV plan”

http://blog.masslive.com/breakingnews/2007/06/cable_tv_licensing_bill_comes.html

Springfield Republican: “Cable TV licensing bill comes under fire”

http://www.patriotledger.com/articles/2007/06/06/opinion/opin02.txt

The Patriot Ledger: “Communities must retain local cable control”

This week in InCIty Times (April 27-May10 Volume 6, Issue 20 Edition)

Submitted by mauro on April 30, 2007 - 8:16pm.
in

This week in InCIty Times, Worcester's Alternative newspaper,presents a positive expose on WCCA and a little bit about me. You may want to read it for some additional insight about the station.

One comment I would like to add about the article is to simply say thank you to ALL those who have supported the station and helped me drive the ship in the right direction. YOU (community of stake holders, volunteer members) have made the station the great institution it is today. So, my heartfelt thanks go to all the people of Worcester who utilize and support this great institution. The real exciting news is that we still have a long way to GROW.

Thanks to Rose Tirella for her never ending quest to keeping it local and her support for WCCA.

One other note, you may have to really dig to find the paper. We found piles of InCity hidden under other news media or pushed off the shelves.

Local Governments Ask Courts to Reverse FCC Ruling on Video Franchising

Submitted by mauro on April 3, 2007 - 1:46pm.
in

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.

Syndicate content