Friday, October 20, 2006

Tactical Media Umass Boston _ Fall 2006
Minutes from October 12, 2006
CPCS- Taylor Center: 5:40PM
Facilitator: Jay Cleary
Discussion topic: Video Franchising
Attendees: Cisco, Jason, Fred, Steven, Charlotte, Jay, Journel, Guiled, Sequioa and John. Discussion of the telecommunications policy was postponed and rescheduled to the next class (09/19/2006).
6:45PM
Housekeeping comments:
Sequioa requested a recap of the blog functioning and purpose Fred explained that the Tactical Media blog is a discussion forum that is open to any interesting subjects relating to media and culture. To Do Fred to remind Shannon to put all bloggers on the blog roll Fred suggested that former and current Tactical Media associates meet one a month to brainstorm and develop projects together. Date and time to determine Proposed day (Wednesday or Thursday)
Discussion subject: Video Franchising
Telecom companies versus Public interest
6:00 PM
Fred Johnson introduced a short video documentary on the subject of cable franchising available on http://blip.tv/ (blip.tv is a video sharing site). The documentary reveals that local franchising is vital to protect the public interest within our municipalities.
The 13 minute-long video documentary wonderfully portrays the viewpoint of different local government staff and public officials, as well as consultants, community activists, organizers and advocates. They clearly explain how national franchising will affect public interest.
In contrast to the rhetoric stated that national franchising will provide better services and rates, they present a radically different approach revealing and maintaining that local franchising is essential for our communities. They acknowledge that national franchising will deprive local government of the authority to enforce or require that telecommunication companies ensure sufficient services within our cities and hold them accountable for services they provide in each of our community. National franchising will be a threat to consumers’ protection and rights.
Background:
The documentary was produced by NATOA in association with Media Working Group. “Media Working Group founded in 1987, is a non-profit media education, production, research and development organization that provides an organizational framework for diverse multi-disciplinary work in media culture.” http://www.mwg.org/ . “The mission of NATOA is to support and serve the communications needs and interests of local governments.” http://www.natoa.org/ Watch the documentary http://blip.tv/file/39272/ Fred Johnson _ Producer/Director Discussion & debate:
Key words and concepts used during the discussion followed the documentary.
Franchising:
Local franchising
National franchising
Video franchising
Cable franchising
Redlining Public interest
Framing issues
Competition Competitive landscape
Community Media
During a fascinating discussion attendees led by Fred Johnson addressed the issues highlighted in the documentary (video franchising). Fred Johnson reiterated that local franchising is fundamental for the public interest. He described cable franchising as an arrangement or contract signed between the municipality and a cable company that is using local streets and sidewalks. The cable company accepts to provide services to the community to place its equipment in the public right-of-way.
Jason voiced his concern relating to the idea of telecom companies bypassing local authority to use the public right-of-way, throwing away local franchising. Jason stated “what would happen to the public interest when/if the telecom companies finally find their way to provide cable services without contracting with local government?” “and what is the next step?” Join us this Thursday October 19, 2006 to find out. Jason’s concern or question will be discussed at the Tactical Media’s next meeting at 5:30 PM (10/19/2006).
Tactical Media Projects:
6:40 PM
Jay (jay@cleary4.com ), Charlotte (bar_tender611@yahoo.com ), Steven (romblefish13@yoahoo.com ) and John (john.pantazeloz001@umb.edu ) were assigned the responsibility to plan 2 workshops:
Production (video) and post-production (editing).
The group will: Plan and advertise the workshops
Determine resources, time and date
Fred proposed to assist in the planning process
Additional projects will be identified on October 19, 2006
Pam is expected to introduce the discussion on telecom policy: Policy Recap from last year.
Class adjourned at 7:05 PM

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