From: Manon Anne Ress <LOVE%TEMPLEVM.bitnet@MIZZOU1.missouri.edu>
Subject:      Cable TV
Followup-To: alt.activism.d
Originator: daemon@pencil.cs.missouri.edu
Organization: ?
Resent-From: "Rich Winkel" <MATHRICH@MIZZOU1.missouri.edu>
Date: Tue, 12 Jan 1993 22:55:55 GMT


ACTION ALERT -- January 12, 1993
To:  Media Activists
Fr:  Center for Media Education

Unless the non-profit and media arts communities act quickly we will miss
an historic opportunity to create national non-profit television networks
across the country.  The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is
accepting comments on a proposal to establish non-profit rates for "leased
access" channels on cable TV systems.  This is an opportunity to greatly
expand the potential audience for public interest oriented programing.

Background
When Congress passed the 1992 Cable Act the public interest community won
an important victory with the requirement that the FCC regulate the rates
of "leased access" channels.  The FCC is now considering adopting rules
that would grant special rates for non-profits seeking those channels.

If we succeed in winning favorable regulations from the FCC, it will be
possible to create non-profit networks that will serve the public interest
in the emerging fiber optic and multi-channel market place.  Without the
adoption of favorable rules, last year's victory will go unfulfilled.

The cable industry is likely to mount an intensive effort to significantly
weaken the effectiveness of these provisions; therefore your input is
critical.

What Can You Do?
The Center for Media Education joined by groups like NAMAC and AIVF ask
you to send official comments to the FCC urging them to establish
non-commercial rates for "leased access" channels.  The deadline for
submitting comments is January 27, 1993.  Using the following letter as a
model, put the letter in your own words.  If the organization you
represent would like assistance in preparing comments or have any
questions please call Bill Wasserman at 202-775-5922.
______________________________________________________________________________

Ms. Donna Searcy, Secretary     (Sample Letter)
Federal Communications Commission
1919 M Street, NW
Washington, DC  20554           RE: Comments in MM Docket 92-266

Dear Ms. Searcy:

The FCC requested comment on whether it should establish preferential
leased access channel rates for not-for-profit programmers. (NPRM
paragraph 153.)  (organization name) urges the FCC to set preferential
non-profit rates for leased access channels.

(organization name) assists film and video producers identify sources of
funding and provide technical assistance in the distribution their work.

Commercial networks are not capable of serving the community needs of the
locally based programers we represent.

New non-profit networks and local channels would be able to expand the
availability of programs aimed at meeting the needs of under-served
communities with cultural, informational and educational programming.
There could be an expansion of programming geared towards the elderly and
minority communities that are mostly ignored by commercial networks.

Of course, the emergence of these services would rely on the ability to
gain access to these "leased access" channels through low rates.

Congress mandated "leased access" channels to insure the diversity of
information sources for the public.  Non-profit programers are uniquely
capable of meeting this need.