Don't Touch That Dial

Despite what some may say, I try never to discuss politics, pizza or religion. You can't really win an argument on these subjects because they are a matter of opinion. Different strokes, for different folks.

Recently, I needed to roll up my sleeves and get involved with a some legislation making it's way into our state law books. It involves cable access, but it was drafted to create fair competition in providing video service to communities. The idea was to create a level playing field for all video providers, with the consumer benefiting from the lower rates. (How did that ever work breaking up Ma Bell?). We have been aware of this legislation for sometime because it has a large affect on Cable Access across the state. It essentially removed control from individual municipalities but left them with little or no consumer protection. The first sign that this bill would not benefit the consumer was the fact that it was being rushed through and blinding speed. AT&T and the co-sponsors of the bill were hoping it went by unnoticed.


The WAPC, Wisconsin Assoc. of PEG Channels, went through the bill to find out exactly how it could impact channels all over the state. They found that unchanged. the bill could force the closing of over 90% of the PEG channels out there.

State Rep. Sue Jeskewitz also went through the bill with a fine tooth comb and found many items used to protect the consumer had been left out. The recent television ads were asking the question, "Isn't competition good for everyone?". The answer is of course "Yes". But this bill wasn't about being fair. Cable companies have for decades operated under guidelines to prevent, red lining, unannounced rate hikes, service quality and right of way fees. A lot of these issues were left out to make it easy for new providers to come in and offer service.

Without going into to much detail, when the WAPC said it was the eleventh hour and all hope was lost, I was amazed at how a few of the legislators really interested in the publics welfare and not the "largest lobbying group in the country" were able to band together, slow down the process and amend the bill that will probably be signed next week.

Sue Jeskewitz worked with the WAPC executive director on language for some of the tougher changes. What we have now is a bill that will not only promote competition but a bill that makes sure the municipalities won't lose income, the access channels will continue to operate and the entire village will be provided service options. The consumer should see lower bills, better quality and more options. Although I didn't like the way it was being drafted or pushed, I did enjoy the process that got it right or almost right. I want to thank Sue Jeskewitz and her colleagues again for all the last minute work they did on this bill.

Although we are in pretty good shape here in the Falls they may have saved community access across the state. It still wouldn't hurt to contact Sue or Sen. Alberta Darling's office to let them know your concerns on this bill. It will change the landscape of television for years to come.

For more info contact: Sue Jeskewtiz Rep.jeskewitz@legis.wisconsin.gov
Staff:
Pam Matthews pam.matthews@legis.wisconsin.gov
Diane Handrick diane.handrick@legis.wisconsin.gov

or Sen. Alberta Darling Sen.darling@legis.wisconsin.gov
Staff:
Andrew Davis Andrew.Davis@legis.wisconsin.gov
Jay Risch jay.risch@legis.wisconsin.gov
David Volz david.volz@legis.wisconsin.gov
Connie Schulze Connie.Schulze@legis.wisconsin.gov
John Hogan John.Hogan@legis.wisconsin.gov

NEXT WEEK!!!

We will announce this years award winners from the WAPC Video Festival in Madison. Menemonee Falls producers did very well in competition this year. One of our shows actually finished atop it's catagory. Which one? You will have to "STAY TUNED"