PEG

The Steely Dan Song? Nope--it stands for Public, Educational, and Government Access TV channels. Like Wayne's World in the olden days, only a lot more sophisticated today. Yep, we're talking Public Access TV.

The overwhelming trend toward media consolidation has significantly reduced the opportunities available to TV viewers to find original, locally relevant programming. Local citizens (for the time being anyway) still have Public Access channels (PEG) which can be used to broadcast locally produced or otherwise unique programming that cannot be found on the big media channels (ever watch the Math Homework Help show?). But if big media's lapdog "regulatory" agency (the FCC) has their way, PEG Access TV may go the way of the dinosaur too.

It appears that the FCC is readying new rules which will allow local cable operators to raise the fees they charge to local governments for having access to these PEG TV channels. Charter Media provides cable service for much of the High Country--their PEG TV channel (Ch. 2) carries everything from the Boone mayor's report and town council meetings to AGR TV News and church programming. So, if Charter Media raises the PEG fees they charge to local governments, the local governments will either have to absorb the fees, stop paying the fees, or pass the fees on to the local citizens. In short, the public loses--again.

From the Alliance for Community Media:

Washington, DC, September 14, 2007 — In another blow to consumers and cities, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is expected soon to decree that any company now under contract with a local government to provide video services may have the right to renegotiate better terms for itself, putting at risk America’s public access channels, first‑responder communications capability, and millions of dollars in franchise fees used by cities and towns for public safety and infrastructure.

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According to recent media reports, the FCC is expected any day to rule that existing cable operators can, under certain circumstances, back out of key provisions in their current franchise contracts with local governments, renegotiate lower municipal fees, and reduce the benefits they currently provide to the public...

Public access channels are made available for government, educational and community programming, such as high school football or Little League games, city or county council meetings, and homework help.

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“This new FCC order could put many PEG channels out of business...

“Not only would the FCC’s rulings create chaos and uncertainty for our communities; they have the potential to create a real budget gap for our municipalities that would have to be closed, either by reducing important local government services or raising fees or taxes in other areas,” Beaty said. “This FCC order is a win for big business and a loss for the people of this country.”