MFP and ATR joint filing on Michigan PEG issue with the FCC
Tuesday, March 31 2009
Americans for Tax Reform and the Media Freedom Project recognize the government’s opinion of the importance of public, educational, and government (PEG) programming. However, in Michigan, PEG providers’ protest against video providers moving their programming to a digital platform, while demanding prime channel placement on those video providers’ systems, is simply unacceptable and should be rejected by the FCC.
Protesting a move to a digital platform is simply untenable in an age when bandwidth is so important. Analog channels consume significantly more bandwidth than digital channels. Carriers must do everything possible to maximize their available space for channels and content in a way that acquires and retains customers. Mandated PEG channels should not be allowed to hoard as much as six times the bandwidth other channels use simply because they are among those channels franchise video providers are required to carry. PEG channels should adhere to the same standards as the rest of the industry.
Additionally, since this matter could be adequately handled at the state level, the FCC would be well-advised to reject the petition, thus forcing state and local authorities, who are much closer to the people served, to reach an agreement.
While no one is disputing the importance of some PEG programming, their lack of popularity is not in dispute either. They rank among the least popular channels available. Yet, thanks to outdated rules and oppressive franchise agreements, they tend to reside in the prime real estate of the channel listings, (generally the lower numbers).
The decision by Comcast to place PEG channels in the 900 channel range is only fitting considering their lack of customer interest. AT&T’s decision to offer live PEG channels via IP, organized by municipality in a menu-driven application, is a move that will allow the public full access to the programming without forcing customers to wade through those channels not relevant to them. These are both sensible solutions to the issue of what to do with unpopular channels video providers are nonetheless forced to carry. .
We would like to see franchise reform address these issues comprehensively, thus making these types of disputes obsolete. In order for that to happen and for all sides to be encouraged to sit down and negotiate the best solution, these petitions must first be rejected by the FCC.
We respectfully urge the FCC to reject PEG petitioners.
The Media Freedom Project
1920 L Street NW
Suite 200 Washington, DC 20036
