Fergie's Tech Blog

California Cities May Lose Power Over Cable TV

Marc Lifsher and James S. Granelli write in The Los Angeles Times:

California cities and counties would be stripped of most of their power to regulate local cable television operators as part of a compromise that emerged Tuesday in a high-stakes legislative battle over local television service.

The plan would allow cable TV operators to be regulated statewide by the California Public Utilities Commission.

Local officials were wary Tuesday of the proposal, saying they were worried about the effect on pay-TV consumers if local governments could no longer set basic rates, ensure equal access to services for all residents and handle customer complaints.

The PUC's proposed role in setting pay-TV rates and service standards was not spelled out Tuesday.

posted by Fergie @ 6/28/2006 08:18:00 AM