* NEWS RELEASE *
Wisconsin PEG Channels Oppose Charter Cable’s Plan to Move Channels
The Wisconsin Association of PEG Channels (WAPC) today informed representatives of Charter Communications that it has rejected Charter’s proposed memorandum of understanding that the company hoped would make its channel realignment plan more palatable to WAPC and bring WAPC and its members to Charter’s aid in its effort to promote the plan to communities.
“Charter’s package of very limited concessions did not begin to address the severe harm its channel realignment would have on PEG stations and Charter’s analog subscribers,” said Mary Cardona, Executive Director. In May, Charter informed WAPC of its plan to move local public, education, and government (PEG) access channels from their present locations on the analog tier. Under the plan, basic and expanded basic subscribers would need to rent a digital converter box in order to continue to see PEG channels, unless they own a QAM-capable digital television.
After a series of meetings and an exchange of proposals between Charter and WAPC, it was clear no agreement could be reached that would not result in a significant loss of PEG channel viewership. “Cities and school districts have invested millions of dollars in these channels that now reach every cable subscriber. Unfortunately, Charter can only be certain that digital cable subscribers will continue to see these channels under its plan – and that’s only slightly over half of its customers,” stated Cardona. With cable penetration averaging 66% nationwide, only a little over one-third of local residents might be able to see the PEG channels in the future.
“Charter’s plan is premature. Consumers have not yet transitioned to digital television in enough numbers. Like broadcast stations, which also serve the local public interest, PEG stations should remain on the analog tier until Charter’s cable system goes entirely digital or until 2012, whichever comes first,” said Cardona. “WAPC’s members cannot stand with Charter and promote a channel realignment plan that is clearly not in the public interest.
”Residents who are unhappy with Charter’s plan to move PEG channels to the digital tier can call their local PEG access station or register a complaint with Jim Rabbitt, 608-224-4965 (1-800-422-7128), at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, 2811 Agriculture Drive, Madison, 53708-8911.
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