Capital Conference

Session Resources

Evaluation

2008 Capital Conference Session Summary

To Move PEG or Not to Move PEG? That is the Question

The speakers in this session discussed the benefits of Public, Education, and Government (PEG) access channel programming in Michigan, as well as current issues and pending legislation.  The speakers emphasized that PEG programs are important because they reflect the diversity and interests of local communities.  Their broadcasts address the needs of the youth, parents, educators, seniors, and consumers of each individual community. 

Oftentimes, PEGs have informational bulletin boards as well as emergency alerts that provide local residents with critical information that is more immediate and community specific than major network programming.  For example, in August 2003 when Southeast Michigan was struck by its worst blackout, as communities regained power, PEG channels provided local residents with needed information on where to buy water and gas.  And a few years ago when Farmington Hills was hit with a Legionnaires disease outbreak, the local PEG was able to put together a 30-minute question and answer session addressing residents’ concerns.  The situation was barely covered by the major Detroit networks.

Despite the numerous benefits of PEGs, they are threatened by large cable companies.  Comcast has initiated procedures to move PEG programming to its higher tier or digital channels.  By doing so, Comcast can free up space for even more of its digital channels.  However, moving PEG channels from the basic tier to the digital tier increases costs to the consumer because now the consumer has to purchase a digital box in order to continue to have access.  In response to this move by Comcast, Meridian Township and the city of Dearborn filed suit in federal court.  The judge issued a restraining order and preliminary injunction against Comcast.  This is only a temporary fix however, because in issuing her ruling, the judge acknowledged that there is nothing in federal law that prevents Comcast from moving the PEGs to the higher tier. 

To ensure the success of PEG programming, three amendments have been proposed to Public Act 480.  One amendment seeks to allow a PEG center to file a dispute.  Currently, only cable subscribers and individual municipalities can file disputes.  The second amendment seeks to make sure local governments receive the 2% of gross revenues of cable fees on top of the franchise fees that they receive.  The third amendment seeks to keep the PEG channels in the basic tier.  All local officials are encouraged to follow up with their legislators to press for the passage of these amendments and to stay abreast of what’s going on.