H.R. 3805: Protecting Community Television Act

This bill, titled the Protecting Community Television Act, seeks to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to update the definition of the term "franchise fee." The key changes proposed in the bill are as follows:

Modification of Franchise Fee Definition

The bill proposes to amend Section 622(g)(1) of the Communications Act. The specific changes made to the definition include:

• Replacing the word "includes" with "means": This change is intended to clarify that the definition provided is definitive rather than illustrative.
• Adding "other monetary" before "assessment": This addition aims to broaden the scope of what constitutes a franchise fee, potentially encompassing a wider range of fees or assessments that service providers may charge.

Impact on Community Television

The modifications to the definition of franchise fees could have implications for community television stations and the funding they receive from local cable operators. By potentially expanding the types of fees that can be considered franchise fees, the bill aims to protect and possibly improve the financial resources available to community television entities.

Potential Outcomes

The changes introduced in this bill could lead to:

• Increased funding for community television stations, as local governments and cable operators may have to account for a broader range of financial contributions.
• A clearer understanding of what constitutes a franchise fee, likely impacting negotiations between local governments and service providers.
• Encouragement for service providers to recognize community television's role and responsibilities, leading to enhanced support for local programming.

Legislative Process

Since the bill was introduced in the House of Representatives, it will need to pass through various stages, including committee reviews and potential amendments, before it can become law.

Relevant Companies

• CMCSA - Comcast Corporation: As a major cable service provider, changes in franchise fee definitions could impact Comcast's fee structures to local governments.
• T - AT&T Inc.: Similar to Comcast, changes in franchise fees may influence how AT&T manages its financial agreements with local municipalities regarding cable services.
• VZ - Verizon Communications Inc.: Verizon, which also operates in the cable space, may be directly affected by shifts in franchise fee regulations and requirements.