New Video Franchise Reform Bill Holds Promise for Tennessee Consumers

New Video Franchise Reform Bill Holds Promise for Tennessee Consumers

Lower Cable Bills, Better Service among the Benefits

RESTON, Va., Feb. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Consumer Institute today voiced its support for proposed video franchise reform legislation introduced last week in the Tennessee General Assembly. "Tennessee lawmakers have the opportunity to save the state's consumers a significant amount on their cable bills," American Consumer Institute President Stephen B. Pociask said of the proposed legislation, which will streamline municipal cable franchise rules into a state law to open the cable market to competition.

Pociask noted that neighboring states Virginia and North Carolina have already enacted state-level video franchising. "Where cable competition exists, consumers enjoy the added benefits of choice, better service quality and improved customer service," he added.

A competitive cable market is a thriving cable market, one that affords states economic advantages as well, according to Pociask. "Cable competition attracts investment, facilitates economic development, increases the tax base for local communities and creates jobs." According to a survey conducted by the Institute last year, Tennessee would enjoy the creation of more than 2,000 new jobs if video franchise reforms are enacted.

The Competitive Cable and Video Services Act of 2007 (SB1933/HB1421) was introduced by Tennessee state Senator William Ketron (R-Marshall) and state Representative Steve McDaniel (R-Henderson.)

The American Consumer Institute is an independent public policy organization committed to providing information, analysis and public policy research for the betterment of American consumers. For more information or to contact us, visit http://www.theamericanconsumer.org/.

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Source: American Consumer Institute

CONTACT: American Consumer Institute, +1-703-282-9400,
editor@theamericanconsumer.org

Web site: http://www.theamericanconsumer.org/

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