Media policy isn't only made in Congress and at the Federal Communications Commission. Laws being crafted now at the state level will profoundly impact the future of the Internet, cable TV and local media. Issues like Net Neutrality, bridging the digital divide and public access TV are now being debated in state legislatures across the country.

Contact your state representatives [1] and urge them to support media policies that serve the public interest.

Now is the time for the public to get involved to make sure that media-related legislation is written with the public interest in mind.

The Issues


The bills now moving through state legislatures will influence how you will be able to use the communications networks of tomorrow. They’ll decide who will have access to new technologies and services and how much they’ll cost. The rules written now will determine whether the broadest sources of culture and information will be available to everyone or only to the wealthy few.

Several key policy issues are at stake:

Video Franchising [2]

States are deciding how to handle the entrance of new competitors -- primarily phone companies -- into the television market. Traditionally, cable companies have agreed to “local franchise agreements” with cities and towns. But now these companies are pushing to negotiate these deals statewide.

Build-Out Requirements [3]

A key part of franchise agreements, build-out requirements prevent powerful cable and phone companies from “cherry-picking” certain wealthier neighborhoods while avoiding other, poorer neighborhoods. They make sure the entire community gets access to advanced networks on a reasonable timetable.

PEG/Public Access TV [4]

In exchange for lucrative local franchises, video providers have long offered public, educational and governmental (PEG) access channels that broadcast local voices, cover local issues, and show exactly how local government works. Some of these vital community outlets are now endangered by legislation being proposed in statehouses across the country.

Community Internet [5]

High-speed broadband access is becoming a public necessity, just like water, gas or electricity. In many places where people cannot access or afford Internet service, local governments are working with innovative businesses to build “Community Internet” systems.