Wisconsin Community Media began circulating draft legislation to stakeholders last week to get feedback on a bill that would improve conditions for PEG television channels on Video Service Provider (VSP) systems.
The bill changes the relationship between a Video Service Provider (VSP) and a Municipality, requiring VSPs (who now pay a maximum 4% fee to municipalities rather than a maximum 5% as allowed by federal law) to provide more in-kind support, specifically for transmission equipment and lines leading to a cable system headend, while at the same time, capping what they would be required to pay.
The bill also prohibits VSPs from degrading the quality of the signal that local program originators provide. In short, PEG channels would be required to be carried in HD.
The bill beefs up consumer protection provisions, not only for subscribers, but for the first time, requires VSPs to be responsive to complaints lodged by PEG channel originators – PEG media centers.
The bill moves the responsibility for enforcing PEG provisions from the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).
It requires VSPs, under all circumstances, to carry PEG channels on a tier most subscribers receive.
Finally, if there is a disagreement between a VSP and a municipality or a state agency and it goes to court, a “court shall award a party entitled to a remedy costs and reasonable attorney’s fees.”
The draft is being circulated to several local municipal officials, DFI, which currently has responsibility for enforcing most of the law regarding VSPs, and the DATCP. Several state legislators also have a copy of the preliminary draft legislation.
While the 2021-2022 session is quickly drawing to a close, WCM is excited about bringing these issues before stakeholders and beginning a discussion that could lead to action in the next session.
