Maine LD 1371, better known as the “Anti Slamming Bill” (copy attached) has been passed by both houses of the Maine State Legislature and now goes to Governor Mills for signature. The major provisions of this bill would compel the cable companies to move the Public Access TV stations back to their original channel assignments – Channels 2 & 5 for the Portland Media Center – from the 1300 stratosphere. The bill would also require them to broadcast our channels in HD if we provide them with an HD signal. Other provisions reduce the “homes per mile” requirement for new service and language regarding franchise renewals.
The Community Television Association of Maine is working with communities to spread awareness of a
This bill is the culmination of two years work by the Community Television Association of Maine – CTAM – which is a state-wide organization representing the interests of Public Access stations. The bill is being closely watched by Public Access stations, and cable operators, across the country to see if it will withstand legal challenges – we believe it has been crafted to withstand them. If it does, it could become a nationwide model.
In Maine, legislation goes into force 90 days after the end of the legislative session, assuming the governor signs it, so it would not take effect until at least mid-September. It is likely that the cable operators will petition for a stay in the implementation and mount legal challenges in state and/or federal courts and it will be up to the Maine Attorney General to defend the law.
Passage of this legislation in Maine is a major step forward in protecting Public Access TV and free speech in Maine and we owe much gratitude to the CTAM committee that has worked so hard on this bill over the past two years.
Brian Knoblock
Production Coordinator
Portland Media Center
Portland, ME