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While we have been busy trying to raise money
for this litigation, Time Warner and AT&T have been making huge campaign donations to state officials to ensure the passage
of SB117. SB117 eliminates local government control of cable. SB117 eliminates all local
franchise agreements and gives control of the cable industry to the state. Sb117 eliminates all PEG funding
including studios. SB117 supportors claimed that it would bring competition and lower rates to Ohioans. PEG channels are grandfathered
until 2012 or the expiration of the current franchise whichever comes FIRST. Without funding, it hard to say how long communities
such as Wadsworth, Dayton, Cincinnatti with be able to operate. Time Warner has the option to take back any PEG channel that
are not "substantially used". Sb117 eliminates services such as free cable to senior citizen centers,
classrooms and libraries,
Across the state of Ohio cities(including Dayton, Hudson, Cleveland,, Cincinnatti and Akron) passed
resolutions against SB117.
Representatives from city councils and school
boards across the state traveled to Columbus to testify in opposition to SB117.
In Texas, where similar legislation was passed,
cable rates have increased. Tennessee recently decided that a similar bill was not good for the people of Tennessee.
Inspite of all this opposition, from mayors,
city councils, and school boards, SB117 was passed and signed into law by Gov. Strickland 6/25/07. Strickland received over
$60 thousand
in campaign contributions from AT&T and
Time Warner.
