Cable TV and public power belong together
Municipal cable television (TV) with its potential for community service in towns served by public power must compete with the large profits corporations now seen in cable franchises as a result of satellite transmission and other new technology. Conway, Arkansas' municipal system is able to deliver a broad-based service including energy, water and sanitation, security, and television at attractive bulk rates to certain customers. The system will eventually expand to provide banking and medical-diagnostic services. Public utilities have an advantage because of their experience in running an electric system and their possession of rights of way. They see cable television as a way to signal load control and read meters. Conway has a 16-member program committee of elected officials to counter First Amendment challenges. Two neighboring towns in Iowa are exploring a joint action approach to cable TV, while larger cities without public power are interested in local TV ownership and control and others explore cooperative and other strategies. A directory lists 33 current municipally owned cable TV systems. 7 references. (DCK)
- OSTI ID:
- 5660946
- Journal Information:
- Public Power; (United States), Vol. 39:5
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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