Save Access

from: Free Press
Don't let AT&T buy Ohio! Save Free Speech! Save Public Access Television!

from: Main Street Monroe

SB117, the begining of the end of 'Live' Broadcasts from TV Middletown?

S.B. 117 is supposed to increase competition and improve cable service in Ohio, but S.B. 117 might do the opposite.

The bill was just approved by the Ohio Senate and now moves to the Ohio House.

from: Common Dreams

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 22, 2007
11:18 AM

CONTACT: Free Press
Jen Howard, Free Press, (202) 265-1490, x 22

Ohio Lawmakers Urged to Oppose AT&T-Backed Bill
SB 117 Puts Future of Broadband and Public Access Channels at Risk

COLUMBUS, OHIO - MAY 22 - Consumer groups and local public access stations are urging Ohio state legislators to oppose Senate Bill 117 — legislation that would eliminate longstanding consumer protections and local oversight of cable TV providers. The bill, which already passed the state Senate, will be considered by a key House committee tomorrow, May 23.

from: The Plain Dealer

Putting consumers first
Sunday, May 20, 2007

The much-debated video franchise bill passed by the Ohio Senate represents a significant improvement over the original version.

As introduced, Senate Bill 117 would have wiped away the cumbersome city-by-city process of granting franchises to video service providers and replaced it with a single statewide standard. Media giant AT&T, which helped craft the bill, said that favorable language was needed to enhance competition in Ohio's pay-TV market. Most consumers would have probably agreed, as competition usually results in lower prices.

FROM: Leader Online

Cable bill opponents continue fight

By Kathleen Folkerth

GREATER AKRON — A bill that would change the way cable franchises are negotiated is now in the Ohio House as opponents speak out on the changes it could bring to local access channels.

Ohio Senate Bill 117, called the Ohio Video Competition Act of 2007, was passed by the Senate’s Energy and Public Utilities Committee by a vote of 7-1 May 8. The next day it was approved by the Senate with a vote of 29-4. Now the bill is in the Public Utilities Committee of the Ohio House of Representatives. A public hearing for proponents of the bill is scheduled for May 23, while one for opponents will be May 30.

from: Local Voice Ohio
On May 9th the Ohio Senate passed SB 117. Through the hard work of members of the Senate Energy & Public Utilities Committee, local governments, PEG Access supporters, consumer interest groups, the citizens of our state and groups like Local Voice Ohio, SB 117, as passed in the Senate, was an improvement over the bill as it was introduced in January.

from: Olive Aurora

Save Channel 9

Published May 15th

What would you do without this valuable community resource?

Email Aurora’s State Senator Tom Sawyer!

Within the next 7 days, it is possible that the Ohio legislature will pass a bill that ends community television as we know it. That means no more HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS, MAYORS REPORT, SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT SHOWS, HOLIDAY CONCERTS, MOORE MOVIES, TIME TO COOK etc. etc.

from: Callahan’s Cleveland Diary

SB 117 cruises through Senate; 11 of 12 Democrats vote to legalize digital redlining

Less than 24 hours after its approval by the Energy and Public Utilities Committee, Senate Bill 117 was passed by the full Ohio Senate 29 to 4.

The vote Wednesday afternoon was powerful testimony to the raw political power of AT&T, and to the total disregard of Senators of both parties for local home rule, democratic access to technology, consumer protection or rational analysis — at least where AT&T’s money is concerned.

from: Callahan’s Cleveland Diary

SB 117: An email to my State Representative