The Community Access Preservation Act of 2009
Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) has introduced H.R. 3745 in the House which would have a strong positive effect on public, education and government access channels!
In her press release, Rep. Baldwin stated, "Local access channels bring unique voices, perspectives, and programming to television. The nature of television programming is changing, as are the methods in which that programming is delivered. These changes should not come at the expense of the diversity and vibrancy of local voices."
WAPC applauded the proposal in an October 9 press release saying it believes the CAP Act would resolve problems that have arisen because federal cable law, new state video franchise laws, and recent FCC decisions have not been working successfully together to safeguard local community-based PEG channels and that Wisconsin PEG stations would benefit from the CAP Act in several ways.
Here’s why we support the CAP Act:
1. The laws and regulations governing cable would apply to all land-line video providers.
2. PEG channels would be required to be carried in the same manner as local broadcast channels.
3. PEG fees could be used to support any PEG purpose – like staff, not just the purchase of capital equipment.
4. The FCC would be directed to study how state video franchise laws (like Act 42) have affected PEG.