State Laws/Franchising

Washington — A new law passed by the
North Carolina legislature two weeks ago to
restrict local governments’
ability to compete with private
cable and telecom companies
is being targeted by a selfdescribed
government corruption-fighting website.

And despite a last-ditch effort
by bill opponents, Democratic
Gov. Bev Perdue said late
last Friday (May 20) that she
would neither sign nor veto the
measure by a midnight deadline,
which means the bill was
set to go into effect at press time.

Are Not Convinced That It's The Best Way To Relieve Consumer Concerns

The Radio-Television Digital News Association is calling on its members to contact their legislators to push for passage of a federal shield law.

After much negotiation with Republicans and the Obama administration, bill backers secured passage of the Free flow of Information Act in the House and the Senate Judiciary Committee, but it has yet to get a vote in the Senate and time is flying.

The Bill protects journalists and their sources from prosecutorial overreach, and would be a federal protection mirroring laws or legal precedent in virtually every state.

Bill Would Allow More Than Two FCC Commissioners To Meet Privately

Operator Would Continue to Deliver Channels in Analog and Pay $250,000