10/09/1978 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Mr. Delay wondered if the review section in the franchise could be interpreted to allow the Commission to address the question of e better access, meaning that equipment would be available at lower cost. Is the flexibility there to open negotiations? Mr. Swanson said the fee would be open to negotiation and, if it were increased, might be used for public access purposes. In regard to the review section of the franchise, he felt programming carried with it the means to produce programming and that it was subject to review. Mr. Obie felt the IS-year period would give the people a little better rate due to Teleprompter's ability to amortize its debt and increase standards in the system. He also felt the pUblic bidding process would take a great deal of time and would increase potential hassles. He did question whether the proposed ordinance properly addressed public access and was also concerned about advances in technology. Mr. Williams referred Mr. Obie to page 30, section 16, part 2 (the subject of mandatory review). He said it was the intent of the Commission to give the community a good, solid, practical, and economical cable TV system and leave the technology options open for the future. In regard to the use of a two-percent franchise fee for public access, the Commission felt it unwise to make a IS-year commitment of that kind of money for an activity unproven and unknown in Eugene. - Mr. Lieuallen wondered if staff and Commission had studies available regarding other communities and public access telecasting. Ms. e Swenson said many of the communities referred to had been reviewed by the Commission. It seemed many of the cable companies were willing to put in a variety of channels to bring in' customers; however, the price goes up too. The Eugene Commission felt this community should not have to pay high costs just to get basic TV services. Public access telecasting could be done through other funding. She also noted that other areas in the country do not have to have cable to get reception. The important part of the Commission's efforts was to get good service for all of the community, i.e., extension to homes, expansion to new areas, and expanded channels. The Commission had questioned whether it should require extra services for public broadcasting when it is not known how it would be received in the community. Mr. Swanson said the Commission had decided against the possibility of increased franchise fees for public access. He cautioned Council to keep in mind the expansion capacity from 10 to 27 channels; that they should consider whether or not the public wants eight or nine access channels written into the franchise. The Commission felt it best to leave the franchise flexible to see what needs and wants of the community are, as well as what Teleprompter will provide in programming. This all can be reviewed. tit , 10/9/78--8 bb9