ACLU of Wisconsin Lambastes Council Threat to Cable Access

September 17, 1999

Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin called upon the Milwaukee Common Council to reconsider its controversial closed- door decision to dramatically reduce the public’s access to cable television under a new cable franchise agreement. The Council on a 9-8 vote agreed to crippling cuts in support for the Milwaukee Access Telecommunications Authority (MATA). The ACLU/WI is concerned that the Council’s action will decrease the diversity of programming available to cable subscribers.

Christopher Ahmuty, executive director of the ACLU/WI said today, “The Council’s action in effect is censoring cable users who to have more opportunities and choices from the City. In a society, where the media is becoming increasingly concentrated, free expression is becoming a hollow right. If viewers and producers can’t count on the City to protect their rights – they will be at the mercy of market forces. These forces do not produce programming that either serves the needs or reflects the interests of our diverse society.”

Ahmuty continued, “Whether it’s books in the public library, flyers on street corners, pages of the world wide web, outdoor advertising, or newspapers and television, we are in danger of losing a meaningful free marketplace of ideas. The Council has taken a step in the wrong direction on the information highway. Media companies, including cable franchise operators need to be able to make a profit while providing a quality service, but in a restricted and usually monopolistic medium like cable, municipalities much protect the common good as well. American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin Foundation (ACLU/WIF).