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Video Franchising Hot Topic at Senate Hearing
Video franchise reform was a hot topic at the Senate hearing, including for one panelist testifying on behalf of independent programmers.
Julia Johnson of the Video Access Alliance asked lawmakers to continue making "video franchise reform, and the legislation that is the subject of this hearing, a priority this year" because "consumers are entitled to more competition, greater choice, lower prices and more diversity." She added, "Delay in passage of video franchise legislation would mean millions in lost savings to consumers and could cripple independent networks."
Also, Johnson urged lawmakers to focus on "cable TV neutrality," saying "the best way to ensure diversity of information sources, lower prices for cable TV, higher quality programming and more consumer choice is to create an environment that allows for the rapid deployment of more platforms and greater competition - which will also create more competition in the content space."
Members of the alliance include MultiChannel Ventures, the Employment and Career Channel, The America Channel, Tennis Channel, Black Education Network, and ImaginAsian TV.
Kyle McSlarrow of the National Cable and Telecommunications Association said that the video franchise process should be streamlined, but only if it results in a level playing field. He also said regulations should limit the time local franchising authorities have to consider an application to provide video service.
Local entities voiced concern with the video franchise provisions in a telecom reform bill the Senate is considering, and details about that can be found at Telco Media News: http://www.telcomedianews.com.
