CAP Act Introduced in Congress

The Community Access Preservation Act (CAP Act) of 2011, H.R. 1746, was introduced in Congress on May 5, 2011, by Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Congressman Steven La Tourette (R-OH).

Passage of the CAP Act will ensure continued operational funding for community media centers in states all across the nation.

The CAP Act:

• Removes the distinction between "capital" and "operating" in PEG* support fees.
• Ensures local governments can secure funding for PEG channels in exchange for cable operators' use of public rights-of-way and makes sure local government can have PEG channels.
• Requires cable operators transmit the PEG channels without charge to the local government.
• Requires the FCC to undertake a study of PEG.

* PEG = Public, Educational, and Government

Read the full text of the Community Access Preservation Act.

Our Congressional Representative, Mike Thompson (D-Napa) has been a strong supporter of community media and should be thanked for his support.

You can use these talking points, a press release and more information from the Alliance for Community Media, our national advocate fighting to protect community media!