Can you break this down for us, tell us how this will affect TCTV? I don't really understand what I am reading here yet. Thanks!

I started typing a reply, but I was starting to confuse myself.  In a nutshell, cable companies are required to give public access channels space on their system, and pay money to cities for the use of the public right-of-way (putting their cable in the ground).  The cable companies don't want to do that, and they're trying to get out of it.

PEG is indeed Public, Educational, and Government channels.  TCTV is considered a PEG station, as we provide access for all three groups.  Some places, like Tacoma, only have governmental access.  In Seattle, there is a government channel and a public channel, but they are separate entities.

{edit - I was wrong.  I-NET stands for "Institutional Networks" like the k-12 network}


The message I posted was an email I recieved aimed at public access folks, hence all the jargon.  But it is important to send feedback to the FCC, if you support community media.  If these rule changes pass, it will have a negative impact on public access television across the country, and jeopradizes many stations primary, and in many cases, only funding source.  The telecom industry failed to get this passed in the senate this year, and so they're trying and end run around the legislative process.

The form that's attached explains how to provide comments to the FCC.  It is very confusing, but if you read through the document, it does a good job of walking you through the process.

If you have more detailed or specific questions, let me know!  I'll do my best to answer anything I can. 

Thanks!

-John

I also wanted to mention about the "sunshine" bit.  The FCC is required to take public comment, but apparently they don't have to give much notice.  We found out on the 6th about the proposed change.  They will only take comment till the 13th, and they will vote on this on the 20th.