Save Access - IOWA

IA: Iowa Bill Lets Cities Collect Cable Franchising Fees

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 21:13:13 -0400

Iowa Bill Lets Cities Collect Cable Franchising Fees
Legislation Cleans Up 2007 Bill
By Linda Haugsted -- Multichannel News, 4/17/2008 9:11:00 AM

Cable operators in Iowa successfully promoted clean-up legislation to 2007's state franchising reform bill, which clarifies that cities, not counties, can collect franchise fees.

IA: Iowa Judge Nixes New Fees

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 19:42:27 -0400

from: Multichannel News

Iowa Judge Nixes New Fees

(Multichannel News) _ A Polk County, Iowa, judge has struck down a portion of the state's newly minted state franchising bill, asserting that a clause retroactively allowing cities to collect franchise fees in excess of the actual cost of regulation is unconstitutional.

IA: Polk County franchise fee suit has bearing on Waterloo

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 10:49:23 -0400

from: WFC Courier

Friday, September 21, 2007 12:00 PM CDT

Polk County franchise fee suit has bearing on Waterloo

By TIM JAMISON, Courier Staff Writer
WATERLOO --- A court ruling in Des Moines could mean good news for Waterloo cable television customers and budget woes for their city government.

IA: Rep. Wise: Urges Utility Board to move quickly for cable TV competition

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 08:45:35 -0400

from: Iowa Politics

Rep. Wise: Urges Iowa Utility Board to move quickly for cable TV competition
9/20/2007

For More Information:
Rep. Phil Wise 319-795-0514

The inability of Mediacom and the Big Ten Network to reach an agreement to provide University of Iowa programming in Mediacom’s basic cable package is a prime example of why cable television needs competition in Iowa.

IA: Judge Strikes Down State Law Permitting Cable Franchise Fees

Thu, 20 Sep 2007 22:11:18 -0400

from: KCCI News

Judge Strikes Down State Law Permitting Cable Franchise Fees
City Plans Supreme Court Appeal

POSTED: 1:14 pm CDT September 20, 2007

DES MOINES, Iowa -- A Polk County judge has struck down a portion of a state law permitting city governments to assess fees of up to 5 percent on cable television connections.

IA: Qwest says it's not ready to make the call on cable TV

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 07:47:22 -0400

from: Desmoines Register

Qwest says it's not ready to make the call on cable TV
A new law makes it easier for phone and cable companies to enter new markets.

By WILLIAM RYBERG
REGISTER BUSINESS WRITER

June 7, 2007

Qwest, Iowa's largest local phone company, is studying whether to get into the cable TV business in Iowa, but it's not ready to say that it will for sure - even though the company was a major backer of a bill designed to open the door for more competition.

IA: Statewide franchising of cable OK'd in Iowa

Thu, 31 May 2007 07:01:07 -0400

from: Denver Post

Statewide franchising of cable OK'd in Iowa

The state becomes the first in Qwest's service area to adopt the measure, aiding the company's video push.
By Andy Vuong Denver Post Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 05/30/2007 09:43:51 PM MDT

The first state in Qwest's local service territory has approved a statewide cable-franchising measure.

IA: Culver signs cable television expansion bill

Thu, 31 May 2007 06:51:53 -0400

from: Sioux City Journal

Culver signs cable television expansion bill

Governor vetoes Missouri River panel changes
By Dan Gearino Journal Des Moines Bureau

DES MOINES -- Gov. Chet Culver closed the books on this year's legislative session Tuesday, signing 11 bills, including a measure that will allow cable television providers to apply for the right to sell their services statewide.

IA: Culver signs cable television expansion bill

Wed, 30 May 2007 07:25:54 -0400

from: Sioux City Journal

Culver signs cable television expansion bill

By Dan Gearino Journal Des Moines Bureau

IA: Cable law faulty, advocates say

Mon, 07 May 2007 06:38:03 -0400

from: Desmoines Register

Cable law faulty, advocates say
Lawsuits targeting franchise fees in jeopardy, they fear

By JASON CLAYWORTH
REGISTER STAFF WRITER

May 3, 2007

Thousands of Iowans could be left without cable service if a bill passed by the Legislature is signed by the governor, cable and city advocates say.

IA: Franchise-Reform Bill to Governor’s Desk

Sat, 05 May 2007 11:35:13 -0400

from: MultiChannel News

Iowa Franchise-Reform Bill to Governor’s Desk
Incumbent Video Providers Will Be Able to File for State Regulation After July 1

By Linda Haugsted -- Multichannel News, 5/4/2007 12:39:00 PM

A franchise-reform bill that will let incumbent video providers file for state regulation as soon as a competitor files to serve the local community is awaiting the signature of Iowa Gov. Chet Culver.

IA: Iowa Franchise Bill Passes on to Governor’s Desk

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 23:33:26 -0400

from: Iowa City Press-Citizen

Iowa Franchise Bill Passes on to Governor’s Desk

April 26, 2007
By Maria Houser Conzemius

There is a new guy in town—Qwest. SF554 (video franchise bill) has passed the Senate and House, even though our representatives put up a valiant fight. But there is still hope.

IA: Statewide video franchise fee could curb soaring cable costs

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 08:49:52 -0400

from: Desmoines Register

Statewide video franchise fee could curb soaring cable costs

By REP. CARMINE BOAL
IOWA HOUSE DISTRICT 70

April 20, 2007

Expected to come before the Iowa House this week is a bill designed to increase cable and video competition in Iowa, encourage improved service, lower rates and provide a greater diversity of products - all benefitting consumers.

IA: Bill allowing statewide cable TV franchise passes House

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 19:23:10 -0400

from: Radio Iowa News

Bill allowing statewide cable TV franchise passes House

Wednesday, April 18, 2007, 11:32 AM
By O.Kay Henderson

The feud between two media companies earlier this year that kept some Iowa basketball games off Mediacom cable systems has gotten reaction from Iowa lawmakers. Last night, the Iowa House, on a 77 to 19 vote, passed a bill that rewrites the state's cable franchise law in hopes of lowering rates for customers. Currently, cable companies must negotiate individual service deals with local communities.

IA: Saving Access and Local Media Control

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 23:11:54 -0400

from: DailyKos

IA Action: Saving Access and Local Media Control [UPDATED]
by Clever

Tue Apr 17, 2007 at 02:07:06 PM PDT

UPDATE - 8:01PM CST.

Passed - 77-19. I would like to make sure that people know that this was Rep. Wise's baby and when the problems arise from this bill, we know who was the biggest pusher of this corporate handout.