Dubuque Concerned About Proposed Cable Bill

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By Katie Wiedemann

Story Created: Apr 2, 2007 at 8:15 PM CST

Story Updated: Apr 2, 2007 at 9:22 PM CST

A bill moving through the statehouse has city leaders in Dubuque on the edge of their seats.

The bill would give the state control over negotiating deals with cable television providers.

Every other Monday night the City of Dubuque broadcasts its council meetings live on the city's public access channel.

Dubuque Council Member, Ric Jones said, "Our channel 8 is a pretty big deal. I am amazed at how many people watch council meetings. "

But city leaders say if the bill passes the city channel programming could be at risk.

Dubuque Cable Television Coordinator, Craig Nowack said, "Right now Mediacom staffs the public access studio they run at the station to provide the playback, they handle all the equipment sign out, they still have to carry the channels they won't have any of that, so that comes back to the city to do."

Under current law cities deal directly with cable companies.

But the bill could give cable companies the option of dealing directly with the state.

Some lawmakers say the point is to promote competition to keep cable prices down.

"The city absolutely does want competition coming in but we don't want to give all our rights on their behalf." said Nowack

The city's current contract with Mediacom expires in 2020.

If the bill passes, Dubuque worries Mediacom will choose to get out of the agreement early, leaving the future of public programming up in the air.

The Iowa State Senate has already passed the bill and it's now in a house sub-committee.

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