Under the Dome: Vermont Senate Finance Committee: Future of Public, Educational and Government (PEG) Access Television

Description

Vermont Senate Finance Committee considers the Public, Educational and Government (PEG) Access Study conducted by Berkshire Telecommunications Associates per Act 137 which required the Agency to, “retain a consultant to review the current business model for Vermont Public, Educational, and Governmental Access (PEG) television channels and provide recommendations concerning how to ensure the future financial stability and viability of PEG channels.” The PEG Study, completed in January 2021, recommends a way for the Vermont Legislature to modernize it’s telecommunications tax structure so that it reflects technological convergence and policy priorities of the State (including competitive neutrality). The Report describes the authority of the State to rationalize its public benefit structure including PEG, E-911 and Universal Service. The report recommends revenue solutions to address the steady decline of cable franchise fees, the primary source for Vermont’s 25 community media centers. Presentation by Peter Bluhm and Dr. Bob Loube of Berkshire Telecommunications Associates, Ken Jones of Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, and Lauren-Glenn Davitian of CCTV Center for Media & Democracy, representing Vermont Access Network (VAN).

Order Now!