At the invitation of Congressman Serrano, BronxNet Executive Director Michael Max Knobbe testified before the United States House of Representatives, Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government which is chaired by the Congressman.

Among the committee members present were: Mark Steven Kirk (IL); Maurice Hinchey (NY); Carolyn C. Kilpatrick, Vice Chair (MI); Peter J. Visclosky (IN); and Adam Schiff (CA). Testimony was presented on behalf of the Federal Communications Commission by Monica Shah Desai, on behalf of the National Cable Telecommunications Association by Howard J. Symons, and on behalf of the Alliance for Community Media – a national public access support organization – by Barbara Popovic.

The Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government set up the hearing on Public, Educational, and Governmental (PEG) Access for Cable Television, “to explore whether PEG programming is in danger of declining or disappearing in our communities as a result of cable television’s current regulatory and business environment.” At issue is the Communications Act which allows local franchising authorities to require cable companies to provide channels and other support for PEG Access, and the challenges and problems with the interpretation and application of the Act in a changing technological and business environment.

In referring to the Communications Act, Congressman Serrano, an advocate for community media stated: “The intent of this Federal law is to provide the opportunity for cable operators to give back to the community in exchange for being granted the valuable right to serve that community and to use public rights-of-way to deliver those services. By granting this authority, Congress recognized that PEG programming is in the public interest and essential to our communities as an outlet for free speech, local information and opinions, and emergency communications. PEG supports our democratic ideals by helping to develop a well-informed and well-educated society. It benefits all of us to support and encourage PEG programming.”

Mr. Knobbe testified about how PEG channels contribute to community development, how BronxNet provides a broad range of television programs for the borough along with media education for students, and how activities by cable companies in parts of the country pose a threat to the future of PEG. “At BronxNet and throughout New York City, people completing training can utilize media production equipment at no cost to produce content to share with their neighbors through the community media channels. This is part of democracy in a digital age,” said Mr. Knobbe. In addition to presenting several other requests, Mr. Knobbe asked congress to “uphold the Cable Act requirement that PEG be on the basic service tier and be treated like broadcast channels.” “We ask you to provide protections for PEG against ‘channel slamming’ and ensure that the quality and functionality of PEG channels is no less than any other channel on a cable system,” said Mr. Knobbe.

Congressman Serrano will continue to urge the FCC to ensure that decision making over PEG remain with local authorities, and move away from a trend toward statewide oversight which is happening in parts of the country. “A recent survey by the Alliance for Community Media indicates that many PEG centers have experienced reductions in funding and other forms of support under statewide franchising,” said Congressman Serrano.

BronxNet is an independent, not-for-profit organization established under the requirements of the cable television franchise agreement between the City of New York and Cablevision. Programs are cablecast over Cablevision Channels 67, 68, 69 and 70, in the borough of the Bronx. Watch the video clips>>>