HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESOLUTIONS-1989-066-R-8966-R-89
A RESOLUTION
Supporting the Revision of the
Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984
0 WHEREAS, the Cable Communications Act of 1984 restricted states
and local governments' abilities to regulate the cable television
industry indirectly; and
WHEREAS, since the passage of the Cable Communications Act of
1984, concentrations of ownership have increased among cable operators,
even though that Act was intended to "promote competition in cable
communications and minimize unnecessary regulations that impose undue
economic burden on cable systems;" and
WHEREAS, municipalities throughout the nation, including this
one, have been subjected to substantial rate increases; and
WHEREAS, cable television is increasingly becoming the main
means of access to information and entertainment; and
WHEREAS, cable subscribers in this city have been subjected to
rate increases of 400 percent over the past six (6) years, as well as a
limitation of a la carte choices; and
WHEREAS, cable television is rapidly being priced beyond the
reach of lower income people, including families with children and the
elderly; and
WHEREAS, the diversity of information services promised by the
1984 Cable Communications Act has failed to materialize; and
WHEREAS, the National League of Cities has adopted policies in
favor of increasing local governments' cable regulatory authority and in
favor of more competition in the provision of cable television service to
consumers; and
WHEREAS, legislation that is now pending in the Congress of the
United States seeks comprehensive changes in the Cable Communications
Policy Act of 1984.
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66-R-89
. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the
City of Evanston, Cook County, Illinois:
n
U
1. The City of Evanston declares its support for the
strengthening of local regulatory authority over cable
television systems.
2. The Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 should be
revised with particular focus on rates, competition,
system ownership and other aspects of the Act that
directly impact local regulation and consumers.
Mayor Pro Tem
/ City Clerk
Adopted: // doewt-446 . 4 1989
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