Commentary

California Assembly unanimously passes statewide video franchising

Momentum toward video franchise reform continues to mount as the California Assembly voted 70-0 last week to pass a bill to create a statewide franchise structure. The bill, AB 2987, sets franchise fees at five percent of gross video revenues. PEG channels must be provided, and the statewide franchise holder cannot deny service to neighborhoods based on average income of residents. The bill can be viewed here. Its companion bill in the state senate, SB 850, is still pending.