On May 26, 2021, a Sixth Circuit panel rejected challenges by numerous municipalities to a 2019 order by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that most “in kind” (non-cash) contributions required by cable franchisees...more
When the FCC’s Cable Franchise Order became effective on Sept. 26, it upended 35 years of common understanding on what a local government could obtain in cable franchise negotiations, which could cost local governments...more
The FCC released its third Section 621 Report and Order late Friday, which has the potential to cost local governments hundreds of millions of dollars in cable franchise fees. Also, unlike FCC cable orders in the past 10...more
For years, California cable operators have reduced the franchise fee paid to local governments by the amount paid to the California Public Service Commission. While a small amount for many communities, the deduction reduced...more
An FCC order that local governments, schools and the public have opposed for almost a decade was reversed by the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. The case is Montgomery County v. FCC, which had its genesis in an FCC...more
A cable operator generally cannot transfer control of its business or transfer its cable franchise without the prior approval of the franchising authority. This gives the franchising authority the opportunity to resolve...more