On Gov. Crist’s desk awaiting his signature is a new Cable franchise bill that gives telephone companies easier access to the cable TV market. Also cable companies will be able to opt-out of their contracts with local governments. If Gov. Crist approves, any company that wants to provide cable services need only apply to the state for a contract, instead of going through local cities and counties.
While this may streamline the franchise process, it gives local governments little power in making cable companies serve their customers better. For nearly a year, Santa Rosa County and Gulf Breeze have been trying to get Mediacom to add WUWF TV to its line-up. Instead Mediacom added Beach TV – another infomercial channel on primarily Destin restaurants and shops.
If Crist signs this bill, Mediacom may never add the WUWF.