10/09/1978 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Chalmers felt there were advantages to competitive bidding, such as providing better service and more programming for pUblic interests. e He noted a monopoly is involved with cable companies in which one would not infringe if another were already established. I n regard to public access, he felt it meant more than having access to a studio; it meant being able to produce and air programs. He said none of the public broadcasting studios are available for public access, but are being used for educational purposes. He felt public access could be provided through the franchise without increased rates to users, as the Cable Commission has the power to approve or disapprove rate increases. He felt there was a need to have effective regulations to use public-access channels now. Mr. Chalmers said there was no evidence of a need or requirement for 15 years to amortize Teleprompter's costs. In regard to renegotiation and arbitration, he felt arbitration was not the way to 'effectively reach a solution as everyone looses. He said studies indicate the profits made by Teleprompter in this area are higher than the national average. The motives of his group are to provide the best possible cable TV system for the people in the metropolitan area. He noted also that 500 people in Springfield had signed a petition for a referendum requesting a five-year franchise, competitive bidding, and public ownership. John McCauley, 1570 Tyler, requested a point of order from the Chair. He questioned why only 30 minutes were allowed for public input. He felt there was resentment against public motives and said the Tele- prompter motives were well known--profits. He noted the sense of a . democracy as being public participation, yet he felt there was an attitude on the part of government officials to "freeze out" that participation, especially if it were an opposing point of view. He said the attitude of the Cable Commission was one of status quo, and if it had not been for the "nuisances," there would not have been the favorable franchise that is being presented to Council now. He again questioned the 30-minute restriction for critics to make their wishes known. Brion Marquez, 659 Clark Street, reviewed for Council public access and public broadcasting in other parts of the country. In essence, his statement indicated public broadcasting was well developed in other areas with public access for government, education, and the communi ty. In some instances, there was a higher rate charge for the services; in others he felt the rates were comparable to those in Eugene. He felt the public access Teleprompter was to provide under the franchise would be deficient. He said he had been trying to produce work here and found no facilities. If the present situa- tion continues, there is the possibility of no production by public broadcasters. Joe Weiner, 1810 Harris, said he had tried to present coverage of the Council meetings, local parades, and other community activities; however, there was no equipment available. He felt there was a high interest in the community for local programming. It should be made e available by decision of city government. 10/9/78--6 tJJo