1265RESOLUTION NO. ~~ 65
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING REGULATION OF CABLE TELEVISION
FRANCHISES BY LOCAL GOVERNIrIENTS.
WHEREAS, the deregulation of local cable television
~ w franchises since December 29, 1986, has failed to encourage
competitiveness among franchise holders in the areas of
selection, service and rates; and
WHEREAS, for a variety of reasons most cable television
subscribers have no opportunity to select between competing
cable systems; and
WHEREAS, the services offered and rates charged by
cable television franchises are often greatly
disproportionate to similar services offered and rates
charged in other communities; and
WHEREAS, the average monthly cable rate for cable
television subscribers has increased almost three times as
much as the Consumer Price Index since the date of
deregulation; and
WHEREAS, the return of local regulation of cable
television franchises would encourage franchise holders to
be more responsive to the local community and encourage
quality services at competitive rates;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF WEST IrIE1~PHIS, ARKANSAS, THAT:
1. The City of West Memphis urges the United States
Congress to enact appropriate legislation to return the
regulation of local cable television franchises to local
regulatory authorities;
2. The City Clerk shall transmit a copy of this
Resolution to the Arkansas members of the Congress of the
United States.
ADOPTED this 19-~ day of September, 1991.
r
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KE TH M. INGRAM, May
ATTEST:
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DANA CRAFT, ~3~'ry C(derk