SB 245 and HB 1279

All,

I wanted to make you aware of Senate Bill 245 and House Bill 1279, two bills that have very quickly sped their way through the short legislative session here in Indiana. These sweeping telecommunications reform bills include critical elements for the future of cable access.

The first critical element is that the bills will set up the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) as the franchising agent for cable companies instead of your local government. That means that your local government will have no negotiating power with the cable company, as they have in the past, in ensuring local people would have a voice.

The second critical element is that of franchising fees. The bills are vague about what percentage of these franchise fees would be held by the IURC for their operating expenses, as well as what will be calculated as “gross revenue” in terms of future collection of franchise fees; but some analysts believe these changes will be significant. These franchise fees are a critical part of the operating costs of WCTV, and any losses here would curtail WCTV’s ability to operate as it does now.

The House amended 1279 a few days ago to return franchising powers to the cities, making the bill in direct opposition to the Senate bill, which was passed 40-6.

I have included a number of links below that I have compiled as this story has unfolded. Feel free to read up on this issue and draw your own conclusions. This is an important time to make your voice heard to your legislators if you feel strongly about these issues as well as the future of WCTV.


http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060126/NEWS01/601260477/1006

http://www.njtelecomupdate.com/lenya/telco/live/tb-DJBG1137014237355.html

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/13599497.htm

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/news/local/13554809.htm

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/news/editorial/13583631.htm

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/news/editorial/13590685.htm

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060123/NEWS02/601230353/1006/NEWS01

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060105/BUSINESS/601050406

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060110/NEWS02/601100487

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060108/BUSINESS/601080404

http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060105/NEWS02/601050404/1025

http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060108/COLUMNISTS07/601080415/1025/NEWS02

http://www.southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060112/Opinion02/601120436/-1/OPINION/CAT=Opinion02

http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem.asp?id=16330

http://www.commoncause.org/site/pp.asp?c=dkLNK1MQIwG&b=192843

http://www.citact.org/newsite/

http://www.ai.org/legislative/homepages/R61/media/R61_01172006.pdf

http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/2006/IN/IN0245.1.html

http://www.in.gov/apps/lsa/session/billwatch/billinfo?year=2006&session=1&request=getBill&doctype=HB&docno=1279

Feel free to write me at jodalton@indiana.edu.