10/09/1978 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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. and beyond that the cable operator can make reasonable charges for time and services. Mr. Williams said the issue of the cost of public _,- access is that it is somewhat expensive. However, Teleprompter is making its facilities available at two-thirds of cost with free use of their port-a-pac and free air time. The Commission had been asked for a two-percent increase in the franchise fee to fund the public access broadcasting. However, Mr. Williams said such a motion was never made before the Commission. The Commission felt to write an increase into the franchise fee solely for public access would have been a mistake. No one knows how that money might be used. However, he said if Council believes that it wants to fund the cost of public access and broadcasting, it can increase the franchise fee by two percent, but has to allow Teleprompter to pass that fee on as a rate increase to users. The Commission felt other sources of funds, such as room tax monies or revenues, should be used on a temporary basis, rather than a franchise fee increase. If, during this probationary time, it is found that the fee might be necessary and usable, then the jurisdic- tions can seek a franchise fee increase in three years. However, that franchise fee increase would have to be passed along by Teleprompter as a rate increase. Further, Mr. Williams understood that if the Council were to demand that Teleprompter underwrite costs of public access (no cost to users and provided free by vendor), Teleprompter could then ask that it be deducted from its three-percent franchise fee and the FCC would probably agree. . In summary, Mr. Williams said, "There is no free lunch. II Also, any part of the franchise that comes into controversy, other than the length of the franchise, is subject to negotiation and arbitration. Mr. Bradley wondered if there had been any discussion regarding the amount of religious programming allowed during the week. Mr. Swanson said the Commission had discussed whether or not that might be a problem with the First Amendment of the Constitution. Teleprompter said there was a large following in the community for certain reli- gious programs, but did not feel too much time was being reserved, especially with the additional tier service. Mr. Delay asked what the framework for upgrading the system in terms of capacity and quality were; would this be done immediately or at the end of the three-year period. Mr. Swanson said it has to be completed by the end of three years. He noted that until the entire system is completed, it would not be of any use. It was a question of completing the work and the company has three years in which to do th is. Public hearing was opened. e 10/9/78--4 fo(,'t \