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2003 Conference Thursday, August 14
Activities at the Texas Public Utility Commission Update on recent PUC rule making projects including municipal authorization to review access line reporting and enforcement procedures. What about CTP’s who provide long distance service in cities’ ROW but claim they don’t have to pay access lines? Moderator: Rondella Hawkins, City of Austin Speakers:
Beating the Budget Blues In today’s economy, it is a challenge to produce television programming on budgets that are getting tighter and tighter every day. Learn tips and tricks that can help you beat those programming budget blues. Moderator: Keith Reeves, City of Denton Speakers:
Cable rate regulation and effective competition; Franchise Fee and Compliance Audits Is there anything that you can do to help your community maintain reasonable rates? What is the FCC discussing in its pending rule making that addresses rate regulation? How should cities respond to cable ops’ effective competition filings? Franchise fee audits can be costly and many often wonder if they are worth the effort. Gain important insight into the approach to be taken and the expectation regarding results. Learn about the issues surrounding compliance with cable franchise obligations, monitoring, record keeping and enforcement of the current agreement. Moderator: Margaret Somereve, City of Farmers Branch Speakers:
Technology 101 If you want to brush up on the basics to gain a better understanding of cable systems and telecommunications technology, then this session is for you. Issues discussed will include digital cable service, digital compression, and the new waves of wireless technologies (WI-FI) and the future of wireless. Moderator: Patrick Jordan, City of Austin Speakers:
Programmers’ Technology For cities just getting started in the "G" part of PEG programming, deciding which cameras, edit systems, lighting kits, etc. to choose is a daunting task. For cities already providing programming, it is difficult keeping up with the ever-changing technology. In this session, veteran programmers discuss technology basics and offer advice on format, equipment and software. Moderator: Paul Wahlstrom, City of Irving Speakers:
Franchise Renewals and Transfers How should a local government approach the transfer or renewal issue? This session will examine the renewal and transfer environment today. Learn about public, educational, and governmental access fees and the allowable limitations and use of them to fund access television operations. The latest legal news about changing enforcement mechanisms, gross revenue definitions, exclusive program contracts, equipment and facilities requirements and other important legal issues for the long-term prosperity of your communities' cable needs. Moderator: Melba Pourteau, City of Houston Speakers:
Friday, August 15
Legislative and Regulatory Update An overview of federal and state developments related to telecom and cable regulation. What actions are currently under consideration before Congress and the Legislature and what would be the impact of those actions be on your community? Learn what the current state of the law is regarding multiple aspects of local jurisdiction over cable television, OVS operations, rights-of-way, etc. Learn about the efforts underway by NATOA to preserve local government control. Moderator: Victoria LaFollett, City of Nacogdoches Speakers:
Overbuilders The recent economic downturn has reduced the number of overbuilders who are actually constructing and the hope for competition in your city. Learn about the state of competition and what we have learned from experience with recent overbuilds. Moderator: Janet Mastronardi, City of Richardson Speakers:
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