Save Access

Note: Grand Rapids, Michigan is home to one of the most vibrant community media centers in the country, founded by the late Dirk Koning. The video franchise signed into law is a shameful affront to the memory of Dirk and others who have struggled to improve media at the local level.

from: Ron Suarez Blog

from: TV Technology.com

Michigan and FCC Take Up Franchise Reform
Date posted: 2006-12-15

When it comes to franchise reform, telcos are proving there's more than one way to skin the cat. Having failed to get a bill passed on Capitol Hill, telcos have brought their persuasive powers to bear on the FCC, which has scheduled a franchise vote for Dec. 20.

from: National Journal

Michigan Lawmakers Send Bill On Video-Franchising To Governor

By Michael Martinez

(Tuesday, December 12) The Michigan legislature cleared to the governor legislation that would streamline the state's video-franchising rules.

The state Senate passed an amended version of the bill by a vote of 26-12, and the state House quickly endorsed the changes on what is expected to be the last day of the legislative session.

from: My DD

Governor Granholm Selling Out the Internet?

by Matt Stoller, Mon Dec 11, 2006 at 02:21:51 PM EST

It's still difficult to pass net neutrality protections, and it looks like it might be getting harder because state level officials aren't able to withstand pressure from corporate lobbies. The telecoms have a powerful and effective strategy - use their allies in the CBC and New Dems to stop net neutrality protections on the Federal level, while passing video franchising rights in the states so they don't need Federal permission to expand their business. We stopped them in Pennsylvania, but they have the upper hand in a fight in Michigan where a bill is being debated.

from: ICDP Dispatch

Monday, December 04, 2006

Public Access TV Threatened by HB 6456

The ICDP has been an avid user of and supporter of the services provided by our local public access TV folks, the Mid-Michigan Area Cable Consortium (MAC3-TV) that operates our public, educational and governmental channels in Gratiot, Clare and Isabella Counties. But a new telecommunications law now being discussed by the lame-duck legislature could eliminate all funding for public access television as early as Tuesday. We need you to call our legislators ASAP. Here’s the rest of the story.

from: Associated Press

Committee Sends Cable Bill to State Senate, but More Work Remains

From Associated Press, December 6, 2006
By David Eggert

Legislation that supporters say would give Michigan customers more choice in the cable TV market is one step closer to approval, though lawmakers say some issues may never be fully resolved.

from: Kalamazoo Gazette

Lawmakers need time on cable franchise bill
Monday, December 4, 2006

The state Legislature is rushing to complete several bills and, in that rush, there is a danger that legislation may be passed hastily that requires more time and thought.

from: Grand Rapids WZZM Ch13

You May Have A Choice Between Cable Companies, But At What Price?

Created: 11/28/2006 6:19:18 PM
Updated: 11/28/2006 9:11:54 PM

A bill that would alter the way cable television companies negotiate their deals is making its way through the state legislature. But, there is concern that if that legislation is not amended, it could affect much more than the number of options available to customers.

from: Telecom Web

MI Video-Franchise Bill Draws Beltway Lobbyist Fire

Several Washington, D.C., lobbying and activist groups this week mustered Michigan residents and the network-neutrality issue to oppose pending legislation in that state that would create a border-to-border video-franchising system (TelecomWeb news break, Nov. 11).

from: savetheinternet.com

Michigan Residents Gather to Ground Lame Duck Attempt by AT&T

Local members of the SavetheInternet.com Coalition are gathering on Tuesday in Lansing to protest efforts by outgoing “lame duck” senators to push through a statewide “Video Franchising Bill” that doesn’t protect Internet freedom and Net Neutrality.