NEWS

The first day of Spring, March 21, 2007 was an important day for New York State as many gathered in Albany.   A press conference in the morning held by Assemblyman Peter M. Rivera, the Chair of the NYS Assembly Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force, called for protecting and strengthening PEG Access Television, and local authority over the public rights of way.   Assemblyman Rivera stood with colleagues Assemblyman Jose Rivera, Assemblyman Luis M. Diaz, and State Senator Efrain González in support of PEG.   Speaking also were Tony Riddle of the ACM, Michael Max Knobbe representing the ACMNY and BronxNet, Dan Coughlin of MNN, David Renner and Jerry Buzbach of PCTV, Rick Osbourne of RCTV, Steve Pierce of the New Media Alliance, and Gordon P. Emerson from Duanesburg.   Upstate and downstate were represented in a strong show of support for community media and access.

Also on the 21st of March, as we experienced the equinox- where the sun is directly above the Earth's equator, Assemblyman Richard L. Brodsky held a hearing on Telecommunications reform, which was a careful examination of statewide cable franchise agreements. Elected leaders, consumer advocates, community media activists, representatives from cities & towns, unions, representatives from cable, and the telecommunications industry participated in what proved to be an enlightening and often lively hearing.   Tony Riddle and Steve Pierce joined a panel that included Charles W. F. Bell of the Consumers Union, and Binghamton Mayor Matt Ryan.   Tony and Steve provided excellent analysis of NYS franchising issues through testimony and Q&A.

BronxNet provided full coverage of both events.   Copies on DVD will be available upon request for transmission on channels accross the state and nation. Please email max@bronxnet.org with any inquiries and visit www.acmny.org for updates.