Local control of cable is under attack

The ability of cities to exercise local control over cable television providers is under attack. Legislation that has been introduced in Congress, as well as at the state level, that would take away cities' ability to enter into contracts - known as franchises - with cable companies and other television services providers. Among other things, the legislation would prohibit communities from negotiating with cable companies for continued fiscal support for public access television. The end result of the legislation would likely be either the elimination of community TV, or the raising of regressive property tax to pay for it.