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Coalition of Minority and Independent Programmers Urge Congress: Let Us Compete
Video Access Alliance Chairperson Testifies Before House Telecom Subcommittee
March 30, 2006
WASHINGTON- Julia Johnson, chairperson of the Video Access Alliance (VAA), testified today before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.
Johnson noted that consumers deserve more choices for their TV and entertainment services. "We strongly support the need for more video distribution systems and encourage the use of advanced digital technologies and broadband deployment into communities to bring consumers innovative options," she said.
The Video Access Alliance, a not-for-profit organization, is dedicated to promoting policies that encourage rapid deployment of innovative new video platforms. The coalition consists of entrepreneurs and executives from several different independent networks, including ImaginAsian TV, MultiChannel Ventures, The Employment & Career Channel, The America Channel, and the Black Television News Channel, LLC.
The Video Access Alliance serves as an advocacy and advisory group for independent, emerging and minority networks, content providers, programmers, entertainers, and other industry participants.
"We believe that the more platforms with greater capacity to carry programming that are deployed, the more independent and innovative-minority in particular-voices will be heard," said Johnson. "We are on the consumer's side. We are on the entrepreneur's side. We are on the side of economic development for our communities. We believe that all consumers, particularly minorities, have the most to gain from expanded video platforms."
Reforming franchise regulations will increase consumer choice and diversity of programming, while lowering prices and expanding opportunities for minority and independent entrepreneurs.
"We have a unique interest-both socially and economically-to ensure that consumers have access to all the amazing innovations video franchise reform will bring. We believe that the best way to ensure networks are built and available to all is to let the markets work," Johnson said.
The Alliance is focused on ensuring that there are multiple platforms for the distribution of expanded and more robust content at lower prices for America's everyday consumers.
