Much of the discussion could center on Cox's record on providing public, educational and governmental access channels
The New Orleans City Council will hold a public hearing at City Hall tonight on Cox Communications' application to continue providing cable television service in Orleans Parish.
The hearing will begin at 6 p.m. in the council chamber.
Cox has had a nonexclusive franchise to operate in Orleans Parish since 1981, meaning other companies can also apply to provide cable services, though none has done so. The franchise was renewed in 1995 and is up for renewal again at the end of 2011.
When the council in April issued a request for proposals from potential cable providers, only Cox responded, meaning the city has limited bargaining power as it considers whether to renew the company's franchise.
However, companies such as AT&T U-verse could decide to seek franchises to furnish customers with video services that would not require them to lay hundreds of miles of cable. Customers then would have a choice of cable or video companies.
The city's ability to regulate Cox is limited by federal laws and Federal Communications Commission decisions, which among other things give the federal government the sole authority to regulate the rates cable providers charge their customers.
Nevertheless, the council is asking residents to show up tonight and offer their views on Cox's past performance and future "community cable-related needs." In fact, federal law requires such public input as part of the local renewal process.
Much of the discussion could center on Cox's record on providing public, educational and governmental access channels, the locally programmed channels that carry government meetings, educational programs and shows produced by community activists and others.
In its response to the city's request for proposals, Cox noted that it provides five such channels, which are managed by New Orleans Access Television, a nonprofit entity. Under its current franchise agreement, Cox pays $1 million a year to support the channels; subscribers are charged $1.07 monthly to cover the cost.
Cox said it "will continue to provide an outlet for noncommercial PEG (public, educational and governmental) programming on its cable system." However, it said, "in light of the lack of information demonstrating the community's interest in the channels, Cox is unable to provide more detail about what that outlet might consist of."
Before the council can negotiate a new franchise agreement, Cox will have to submit a more detailed formal proposal.
The council also has an online survey residents can answer to offer their views on Cox's performance and cable issues. Visit the council's website, www.nolacitycouncil.com, to take the survey or read Cox's response to the city's request for proposals.
Bruce Eggler can be reached at beggler@timespicayune.com or 504.826.3320.