Agenda Packets - 1987/09/14 - Laserfiche WebLink

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4 r FL-10. Cable Television Regulation Issues (cont'd) television industry since deregulation has been been impressive. But with that increased wealth and power have come renewed concerns for the public interest. Cities are particularly aware of the importance of the increased numbers of valuable public services available solely through local cable television franchise facilities. Because of these two continuing basic areas of interest in cable television operations, the League urges congress to maintain sufficient authority for cities to require cable franchise operators to notify and consult with city officials when considering changes in rate structures and/or the retiering of cable services and access to public, educational and government (PEG) channels. Cable television provides actual as well as potential public benefits and as such, must continue to remain subject to local regulation as currently provided by federal law. Potential services furnished solely through cable television technology include such local operations as meter monitoring, energy management, emergency response and alerts, as well as providing a new mechanism for public expression of viewpoints and interest by local viewins audiences. The League recognizes the limits placed on cities' regulation of cable television operations by the 1984 Cable Policy Act. It is also clear however, that the Act affirms a legitimate role for cities in such regulatory functions as requiring operators to obtain local franchises; to specify public access facilities and services; to require leased access; to monitor performance quality; to act upon requests for modifications, transfer applications and renewal requests; to solicit franchises; to enact consumer protection ordinances; to impose franchise fees; and to specify system design and capacity. It is also of interest to city residents that city officials encourage service improvements and support public participation in the upgrading of service delivery and quality of performance. Of particular interest to cities is the continued availability of government access channels (PEG). Such facilities provide new ways to reach city resi?• `s with information and the means to understand public policy issues affecting them. These matters will be increasingly more local cable franchises move to The League supports recommendations to actively monitor those hearings television industry that affect the cable television subscribers. - 73 - on the minds of local officials as increase rates for basic services. to the National League of Cities and developments in the cable interests of city residents and