Full Text
Whereas, Missoula Cable Access Television (MCAT) is a valuable resource to Missoula’s engaged citizens, providing access to cablecast media and unique public interest programming; and Whereas, funding for MCAT is provided through a local franchise agreement between the City and the cable provider, which leases public right-of-way for its utility infrastructure; and Whereas, an increasing number of states have enacted laws allowing statewide franchising agreements that imperil local franchise agreements and the funding they provide for public, educational and governmental (PEG) programming; Now, therefore the Missoula Civic Television Advisory Commission offers its support to the Community Access Preservation (CAP) Act of 2009 (H.R. 3745), which protects the funding for PEG channels and ensures their content is treated equitably when assigned cablecast spectra; and Furthermore, MCTAC requests the Missoula City Council and Missoula Board of County Commissioners adopt a resolution supporting the CAP Act and seek support for the Act from Montana’s congressional delegation.