PEG and the Public Interest Steve Holmes VP Government Affairs Comcast West Division

The FCC has begun an examination of the future of media and the information needs of communities in a digital age. The FCC’s stated objective is “ to assess whether all Americans have access to vibrant, diverse sources of news and information that will enable them to enrich their lives, their communities and our democracy. “ FCC has established 42 questions designed to elicit information about diverse media sources, including broadcast, print, broadband, satellite, and cable. FCC Future of Media Workshop

The Role of PEG Programming With regard to cable television, local franchising authorities can require a cable operator to provide channel capacity for Public, Education and Government (PEG) channels and some facilities and funding for such channels. –Are these channels being used as effectively as possible for the provision of useful news and information to communities? –How has the role of PEG channels changed over time, and how could their effectiveness be improved? –Does statewide franchising change the number and composition of PEG channels? – Does it serve to promote the intended benefits from PEG channels or undermine them? –Are there other ways to provide for the benefits from PEG channels in the digital age? –How should operators of PEG channels work with noncommercial television and radio licensees, as well as with other non-profit media entities?

1984 Cable Communications Policy Act PEG video channels and support are allowed to be included in cable television franchise agreements. Authorizes communities to ascertain appropriate number of PEG channels based on community need and interest, taking into account the cost of meeting those community needs and interests. Allows communities to require capital support for PEG channels without reducing franchise fees. Limits editorial control to obscene and commercial programming

Efficient Use? Mid-1990s City of Seattle Franchise (expired 2005) 10 PEG channels initially Upon demonstration of need, the City could demand: –Up to three additional Public Access Channels –Up to six additional Educational Access Channels –Up to six additional Government Access Channels Possible reservation of twenty five channels for public purposes

Seattle City Channel—Channel 21 4 Ways to Watch Watch now—stream it online Subscribe to the podcast Fridays at 7pm on Channel 21 Comcast On Demand

State Public Affairs Programming

Effect of State Franchising—California Model Standardized PEG channels—3 plus 1 model for most communities. Exception for PEG channels “simultaneously activated and provided prior to January 1, 2007.” Preservation of the California Channel (state CSPAN). 1% available for PEG capital purposes by ordinance; up to 3% based support in effect prior to December 31, Process for contribution to existing capital obligations by new entrants.

Comcast’s NBCU Commitments With respect to PEG Channels, Comcast will not migrate PEG Channels to digital delivery on any Comcast cable system until the system has converted to all digital distribution (i.e., until all analog channels have been eliminated), or until a community otherwise agrees to all digital PEG channels, whichever comes first. To enhance localism and to strengthen educational and government access programming, Comcast will also develop a platform to host PEG content On Demand and On Demand Online within three years of closing.

The Future NBCU commitments are examples of attempts to address new technology issues and opportunities in the context of PEG channels and content. Local authorities should evaluate mechanisms in addition to traditional cable television for distributing public interest video content.