In a previous post, we summarized the year-long efforts of VAN to include better conditions for access media in Comcast’s license renewal. In January, they were awarded many of their requests by the state’s Public Service Board. PEG people everywhere rejoiced because this created a precedent that others could cite. Indeed, MassAccess did just that during a legislative hearing in June.
Comcast would be the last to ignore an uncomfortable precedent, of course. In June, the company appealed PSB’s ruling. In late July, PSB said nope, the conditions stay in place. The Times Argus of Montpelier has one article (with photo of one face familiar to ACM-NE). Vermont Public Radio ran a brief news bit, too.
THEN just this month, as reported in the Bennington Banner, Comcast filed suit in federal court in Burlington. What happens next? VAN has already forseen the need for more resources to hold fast. Kevin Christopher put up an opinion piece that also serves as an appeal for support.
Legal help: costly. A good legal precedent: Priceless.