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than comznercial c�.axu�els, braadcasting them in rectuced resolutio�a, disp�aying f�em. in �.en�-formai, or simply <br />moving them to a dzgital-only tier r�vhere they are inaccessibT� to a.r�alQg cable custom�rs. Tn some cases, <br />custo�ers mus� nnw pay e�txa fees i� nrder io receive PEG cha�n.els. In ather cases, operatnrs a,re xefusing ta <br />pass throug� �'EG closed captipz�ing unless a sp�cial req�es� is rn.ade. This �reat�neni u�dervalues PEG c�annel� <br />and ti�eir viewers. <br />The Carx��aunity Access Prese�.vatzo� (CAP} Act �vould adc�ess the im�nediaie issues facing PEG channels by: <br />• Allawzng �EG fees to b� used fo� az�y �'EG-related pu�aos�s; <br />■ Requ��ing PEG c�annels to be ca�rried in the same z�a�x�er as lacal broa.dcast c�annels; <br />■ Requiring the FCC fio study the effect state video fra�zchise laws have had on PEG channels, a�d <br />requi�tng o�eratnrs to provide t�e greatex o£�kze suppnrt r�quir�d uncier sta�e laws, or ihe s�.�pport <br />l�istnx�cally p�ovided for PEG; anci <br />m Making cabre tele�isian-related �aws and regcrlations app�ica�le tc� all Iaz�dline video providers. <br />"Decisions at t�e state a�d federa� level ha�re co�bineci to areatc a crisis for PEG. Wiih the CAP Act, Rep. <br />Baldwi� effect�vely addresses �e rx�ost irnm�diate prablems and ops�s the doar to �he future �y preserving <br />support for PEG while t1�e FCC conducts its study. This bz�I is critical tn �.rs. Wisconsin's rzck� communzty <br />access heritage is an tk�e lir�e," said Mary Caz'dona, E�ecLttive Dir�ctor n�the Wisconsi� A�ssoaia�ion o�PEG <br />Chanz�els. <br />"Comm�.ani�y Media �as a four decade �istory nf co�ecting co�u�unities wit� their govez�nents, schools, <br />churc�e$, friends and n�ighbors, T�e fi�t�.u�e exisience af coz�a��.inity rnedia �s being threaiened aga.i�st the <br />intent of Cangress for localis� and diversity of voices in media. Wiih t�xe CA�' Aet, Rep. Baldwin addxess�s <br />i�nec�ate z�eeds to preserve a�d pratect the important role �'EG c%annel� play in advancin.g ciernocratic idea�s <br />through corr�ra�u�.ity uses of inedia," said Matt Sehuster, Chaiz�, Alliance for Co:r�unity Media. <br />The Com�.t,u�ity Access Preservaiion (CAP) Act does not assu�.e a"ona size fits �,11" �'EG stz�zcttzre, instead <br />ieaving ��e decisior� to nego�iate for I'EG cha�els to franchisiz�g aut�orities ar�d t�e �oca1 cnn�.�z�ties tl�ey <br />xepz'esent. <br />Baldwin's legislatior� is supported by t�� Alliaz�ce for Cornzr�u�i.ty Media (ACM} and the National Assaciatron <br />a� Telecor�.unication O�eraiors a�� Adv�i.so�s (NAT4A}. <br />### <br />CA�' Act (�nt�-od�ced iz� Hause) <br />HR 3745 IH <br />11 I�. CO�GRES� <br />l.st Session <br />H. R.. 3745 <br />To a�rx�.en.d tk�e Commumications Aet nf 1934 to provide �oz' carriage and display of public, educational, a�d <br />govez�xnent c�an�els i� a�nanner carzsistez�t with comr�.ercial cha�els, a�d �or other p�uposes. <br />IN TH� HOUSE QF REPRESENTA.TI'VES <br />