Hey, kids, here is a link to a video from the cable TV station where my friend works.
According to this site, which has been leading the charge against this act, the COPE Act (HR5252) passed the House last night (national level).
What does this act do? Many things. Mainly, it means that your internet provider can decide which websites you can or cannot view based on how much those companies pay to the provider. There is chatter that this may mean a per page viewing fee to you, the consumer, as well.
In addition, it takes away a large portion of community cable TV's funding. Why should you care about this portion? Well, because, whether you know it or not, you can go into your local cable TV station and produce a show. They were set up to give everyone access to air time regardless of whether or not they could pay for it. Equal access, if you will, so that it's not just rich people (or giant media corporations) who have a voice.
This may have passed in the House, but it doesn't have to pass the Senate. Contact your representatives and senators now.
Posted by LoWriter at June 9, 2006 07:34 AM