Hollis, Maine — A highly polarizing bill awaits action from Gov. Janet Mills and, if passed, would require internet video service providers to pay fees once paid only by cable providers. It will be done.
With the rise of streaming services and the decline of cable providers, a small number of media stakeholders and agencies are pushing for LD1967, which, if passed, would impose fees on Internet video service providers who use public “right-of-way” transmission lines. will be required to pay. Regarding municipal contract agreements.
“If you set up facilities or equipment in a public park to sell your product, the town has the right to charge you for the use of that rental space,” said Tony Vieg, who helped draft the bill. “It may be the dusty side of the street where the telephone pole lines run, but it’s still public property,” said Herb Adams, a former congressman and historian.
It’s the behind-the-scenes work of local public broadcasters that allows residents to watch municipal meetings when they change channels. and provide Miners with a new faucet to public information.
“We like to think of this as neighborhood television in a way,” said Patrick Bonsant, the station’s director who runs Saco River Community Media. “Everyone wants to know where their tax dollars are being spent.”
To enable operations, municipalities often receive funding from fees that cable providers must pay to use public infrastructure. Thanks to the Telecommunications Act of 1984.
Opponents of the bill share concerns that the fees will increase the burden on consumers. According to a recent survey conducted by the New Hampshire Institute of Politics, 69% of Mainers said they would oppose a 5% increase in viewership for community channels.
“Cable TV customers already shoulder the burden of funding pay channels,” Comcast President Chris Hodgdon said during a public hearing on the bill. “If these channels need more funding, Congress should consider other options.”
Supporters of the bill said it’s a business move and could help secure more funding for the public broadcasting system, whether or not the fees are passed on to consumers. It can change the way residents participate in their communities.
“They take our signal and downgrade it, which is unacceptable to us. What is happening at the grassroots level of ordinary people is equally important,” Bonsan said. . “If the bill passes, we will be able to see the conference as it should be seen.” ”
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