The FCC is proposing to redefine what a franchise fee is - and it will radically reduce the level of monetary support available to run PEG access channels across the United States.
The City of Portage operates a cable access system that provides the community with live and on-demand coverage of important government meetings, public service announcements, community events, top news stories and emergency notifications. The programming can be seen on local cable access provider channels and the city live stream service. The cable access system is funded by fees collected from local cable companies as per the 1984 Cable Act.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is proposing changes that will drastically reduce monetary support for the continued operation of local public access channels. Without proper funding, the city may no longer be able to continue cable access system operations, which reduces transparency and availability of city news, events and activities that affect the local community. The funding will also negatively impact ancillary communications provided by the city to communicate with the community such as social media venues and the popular Portager newsletter, which are heavily supported by the cable fees collected.
On April 9, 2019, the City Council adopted a Resolution to Oppose the FCC changes to the 1984 Cable Act. Please show your support of public access programming. Follow this link to submit a petition to your congressman. Alternatively, you may contact your congressman directly:
Rep. Fred Upton
Senator Gary Peters
Senator Debbie Stabenow
Thank you for your support.