News
December 2009 -- Public Hearing -- CABLE TELEVISION
FRANCHISE CHANGE OF CONTROL FROM VERIZON NORTHWEST INC. TO FRONTIER COMMUNICATIONS
CORPORATION
The MHCRC held a Public Hearing on December 7 on the change of control of
Verizon’s local cable franchise agreements to Frontier Communications
Corporation.
The Hearing was cablecast live on MetroEast Community Media Channel 29.
The Commission invited the public to provide testimony in person during the
hearing or in writing by noon Monday, December 7, 2009.
Read the full Notice of Public
Hearing
November 2009
MHCRC launches the Your Voice - Our Communications Technology initiative.
The Your Voice initiative is seeking the local community’s ideas and thoughts
about our current use and future needs for communications technology. The
initiative will provide a better understanding of the local communities' needs,
desires and vision for the future.
October 2009
In an effort to distribute the Mt. Hood Cable Regulatory Commission’s
Preliminary Meeting Agenda in a more efficient manner, reduce
costs, and be more environmentally minded, the MHCRC will electronically distribute
preliminary agendas beginning in October 2009. To see the Agenda click here.
May 2009
The Mt. Hood Cable Regulatory Commission (MHCRC) on behalf of its member
Jurisdictions (the cities of Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview and Wood
Village and Multnomah County) has embarked on an extensive public
engagement process to gather information that will aid in the development
of a technology plan for the community -- to envision how
technology can be best used in our community in order to inform future public
policy decision making. For more on this project click here.
March 2009
On March 16, 2009, the Commission unanimously passed Order
No. 2009-01 which finds that Verizon violated its cable franchise with
Gresham by failing to interconnect and provide the MetroEast Community Media
PEG access channels to all Verizon Subscribers on the initial Verizon Service
Date (November 26, 2008), as required by the Verizon Gresham Franchise. However,
in light of Verizon’s successful completion of the interconnection and
provision of the MetroEast Channels to Verizon subscribers on March 4, 2009
(ahead of Verizon’s own internal schedule), the Commission unanimously
decided NOT to impose any fines or financial penalties on Verizon in connection
with this matter.
House Passes DTV Delay Act
Bill Now Awaits President Obama’s Signature
The House has passed the DTV Delay Act, just days after its first efforts
to move the DTV transition date to June 12 failed. The bill, taken up from
the Senate after it was passed on unanimous consent, will allow broadcasters
to choose to make the transition to all-digital broadcasts before the new
June 12 transition date. The bill also permits public safety to begin using
vacated spectrum to meet communications needs ahead of the transition date.
January 2009
The MHCRC unanimously voted to schedule a a formal hearing, in accordance
with MHCRC Rules of Procedure, for February 23, 2009 in order to make a determination
on a potential franchise violation with respect to Verizon’s failure
to include MetroEast PEG channels as part of Basic Service when Verizon began
offering cable service to subscribers in its Gresham service area on November
25, 2008 (Service Date). (more.)
December 2008
A Florida federal court judge says cable companies there can relocate public,
educational and governmental (PEG") access channels to the digital tier
if the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") has deregulated
the affected communities as subject to effective competition. https://ecf.flmd.uscourts.gov/doc1/04716360374
A recent report in the Orlando Sentinel described the impact of relocating
PEG channels.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/services/newspaper/printedition/friday/localandstate/orl-tvaccess1208dec12,0,6156669.story
- an excellent read.
October 2008 - VERIZON FRANCHISE
The MHCRC approved a recommendation to the Jurisdictions on a Verizon cable
services franchise. more.
Despite local government argument that the FCC was overstepping its authority
with passage of its Competitive Video Franchising Order, a federal appeals
court Friday upheld the Federal Communications Commission's authority to set
rules meant to make it easier for new cable TV competitors to gain local franchises.
The FCC made changes to cable franchise rules last year which prevent "local
franchising authorities from unreasonably refusing to award competitive cable
franchises". Those changes have faced an ongoing battle in court by various
city and state franchising agencies which argued that the FCC had usurped
their power when changing the rules. The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled
yesterday that the FCC was within its authority to make those changes. (FCC
Rule click here; MHCRC Franchising Process
click here)
MHCRC Submits Comments in the FCC NPRM on Broadcast Localism
June 2008 -- These comments were submitted by the MHCRC in response to the
FCC's Report on Broadcast Localism and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (the
“Report”). Commenters in the Rulemaking raised serious concerns
that broadcasters’ efforts, as a general matter, fall far short from
what they should be. Specifically, the record indicates that many stations
do not engage in the necessary public dialogue as to community needs and interests
and that members of the public are not fully aware of the local issue-responsive
programming. Against this backdrop, the FCC proposes certain changes to its
rules and policies that its purports will promote both localism and diversity.
Read comments
Proposed Franchise Agreement with Cascade Access
June 2008 -- The Mt. Hood Cable Regulatory Commission (MHCRC) held a public
hearing soliciting comments from the community about the proposed franchise
agreement with Cascade Access for cable television services in Corbett, an
unincorporated area of Multnomah County. More
In February 2009 TV stations switch to digital broadcasting. Are you ready
for the digital transition?
February 2008 -- In one year, 22 million Americans who rely on free over-the-air
analog broadcasting -- including many elderly and other vulnerable populations
-- will be at risk of losing access to TV, which for many is a primary source
of news and emergency information as well as entertainment. [SOURCE: US PIRG
press release]
MHCRC VOTES TO FINE COMCAST $43,899 FOR
FAILURE TO NOTIFY CUSTOMERS OF OCTOBER ’07 SERVICE CHANGES
MHCRC Preference is that Penalty Amount be Credited on Affected Subscriber
Bills
March 2008 -- In connection with failing to adequately notify subscribers
of the loss of several cable channels which moved to more expensive digital
tiers in October 2007, and as part of an ongoing effort to hold Comcast accountable
for its services to more than 150,000 subscribers who live in Multnomah County,
the Mt. Hood Cable Regulatory Commission (“MHCRC”) unanimously
voted to assess Comcast $43,899 for violating the 30-day customer service
notice requirement of franchise agreements overseen by the MHCRC on behalf
of Multnomah County and the Cities of Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview,
and Wood Village (“Jurisdictions”). more.
Order
2008-01: Establishing Penalties for Comcast’s Failure to Meet Customer
Service Standards re: 30-day Advance Notice To Subscribers for Programming
and Channel Changes
April 3 - Comcast penalty payment of $43,899 was received by the MHCRC.
Community Media Leadership Award
In December 2007 the MHCRC recognized Carl Kucharski for oustanding service
to the community as Executive Director of Portland Community Media.
Read the MHCRC's recognition
letter to Carl.
NW Film Center honors the Mount Hood Cable Regulatory Commission with its
2007 Service To Young Filmmakers Award!
2007 -- NW Film Center bestows this award annually to a local individual
or organization in recognition of their outstanding contribution to youth
media. Through the Community Access Capital Grant Program (and in the years
before), the MHCRC has helped make possible a wide range of outreach activities
which cut to the core values of NW Film's efforts: enabling young people to
express themselves through media production, and for their work to inform
our larger community through cable broadcast and other means. Past winners
have included the Regional Arts & Culture Council, the Diack Family Fund
and a number of teachers and teaching artists who have made a tremendous difference
in the lives of hundreds and thousands of young people.
MHCRC Holds Public Hearing on Proposed Cable Television Services Franchise
Agreement with Qwest
July 2007 -- The Mt. Hood Cable Regulatory Commission (MHCRC) held a public
hearing soliciting comments from the community about proposed key public benefit
components of a franchise agreement with Qwest for cable television services
in Portland. Qwest plans to extend its services beyond phone and Internet
services to include cable television. Once offered, the service will provide
the Portland community with a competitive option to Comcast cable service.
more.
MHCRC Files Comments in Response to the FCC Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
(FNPRM)
April 2007 -- The FCC issued a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM)
which would extend the Competitive Video Franchising Order to existing cable
operators upon renewal. The FNPRM seeks comment on local customer service
protections and whether customer service standards should apply to new entrants.
Read the MHCRC's Comments. &
Reply Comments
MHCRC Jurisdictions Approve Competitive Cable Franchise Application Process
April 2, 2007 -- In light of the FCC Competitive Video Franchising Order,
and the need to provide for an orderly process for successfully developing
agreeable competitive cable franchises which provide for a level of public
benefits commensurate with the benefits provided in incumbent MHCRC-administered
cable franchises, the MHCRC has established standardized competitive video
franchising information and substantive requirements and an application process
with the support of its member Jurisdictions. Local
Rule for Competitive Franchising Applications – Why Do We Care?
MHCRC Resolution 2007-02: Recommend
MHCRC Jurisdictions approve competitive cable franchise application process
specifying application criteria and information required in connection with
any franchise application submitted pursuant to §76.41 of the Code of
Federal Regulations. CFAR Local Rule
as approved by MHCRC Jurisdictions.
APPLY FOR A FRANCHISE
FCC Eases Video Entry For Telecom Companies with its Competitive Video Franchising
Order
March 5, 2007 -- The FCC’s Report and Order (“Order”) finds
that local franchising authorities have acted unreasonably and delayed competitive
entry. It claims to preempt local franchising authority and change the normal
franchise process in the following respects, with respect to new applicants:
• time limits for negotiation (“shot clock” and FCC grant
of “interim” franchise)
• build-out requirements
• franchise fees, application fees, in-kind benefits
• PEG and I-Net support
• authority over non-cable services and mixed-use facilities
The Order was published in the Federal Register on March 21, 2007, however
is subject to approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) before
becoming effective. As for effective date of the new application information
and the 90/180 day "shot clock" – here’s a brief time
line that may change depending on Federal Register publication dates providing
all appropriate notices:
March 21, 2007 – publication of FCC 60 day notice for comments on rule
May 21, 2007 – end of comment period; publication in Federal Register
of submission of request to OMB for approval
May 21, 2007 - or there after OMB 30 day comment period to commence
June 20, 2007 – earliest date OMB comment period could conclude
July 20, 2007 - deadline for OMB decision
Publication of OMB decision in Federal Register will trigger effective date
of rule.
Federal Legislative Update: The Yellow Brick Road...Not
MHCRC staff presents on the current state of Federal Legislation at the Oregon
Connections Conference in Newport, OR on October 19, 2006. View
the presentation (.pdf)
FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Concerning Franchising Process for New
Video Market Entrants (MB Docket No. 05-311) - Feb-Mar 2006
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is poised to issue new rules
that would mandate how to handle competitive video franchises. Read the MHCRC's
Comments and Reply
Comments filed in response to the FCC's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
on Competitive Video Franchises.
National Franchise Legislation Introduced - June 2005-present
Companion legislation has been introduced in the House and Senate to establish
national franchising. The bills are sponsored by Senators Rockefeller and
Smith in the Senate and Representatives Blackburn and Wynn in the House and
look to preempt local government authority over new competitive video prodivers.
NATOA
Speaks Out: A video documentary explaining the the importance of the local
role in the provision of communications in your community through cable franchising.
www.natoa.org On June 8th, the U.S. House
of Representatives, by a vote of 321-101 passed H.R. 5252, the Communications
Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act of 2006 (COPE). In passing this
legislation, the House has chosen to support a bill that will destroy local
control of telecommunications in our communities, strip local government budgets
that support communications services used by police, fire, schools, community
media centers and other local government services. The legislation if finally
adopted will have a devastating impact on local communities and public interest
issues in telecommunications policy. Similar legislation is under consideration
in the Senate in the form of S. 2686, titled the Communications, Consumer's
Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006. Neither of these pieces of legislation
will serve the public interest of real video choice or of rapid deployment
of broadband services at reasonable rates to everyone.
Related Documents:
House
Bill Senate Bill League of Oregon Cities
House
Bill (.pdf)
Senate
Bill (.pdf)
Opposition to Ensign/McCain Senate Bill:
NATOA
Opposes Ensign/McCain Legislation S. 1504 (.pdf)
NATOA
Action Alert - Oppose S. 1504 (.pdf)
NATOA
Letter in Opposition to S. 1504 (.pdf)
Sample
Resolution in Opposition to S. 1504 (.pdf)
Alliance
for Community Media Opposes National Franchising Legislation (.pdf)
Open Access Debate - June 2005
Supreme Court decides Brand X Case: June 27, 2005. The decision is posted
at www.supremecourtus.gov
Chronology
of Events (.pdf)
Comcast Rate Changes - Effective March 1, 2006
Comcast
Rates Effective March 1, 2006 (.pdf)
Subscriber Privacy
The MHCRC strenuously objected to Comcast’s privacy policy sent to
local cable subscribers in April 2003. Subscriber complaints and press coverage
helped put pressure on Comcast to revise its policy.
Learn more about
Subscriber Privacy
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