Jun 9, 2007
Redding
League hears about public
access to Internet and TV
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Do you know that the many corporations vying to control the electronic networks that link us to the Internet and TV could possibly curtail our access to certain sites and to channels that now offer public, educational and governmental programming? It is a possibility that guest speaker Pua Ford, Connecticut League of Women Voters secretary and media guru, introduced to the Redding League at its annual luncheon meeting at Clemens restaurant on May 30.
Ms. Ford’s talk was titled “Informing the 21st Century Citizen: Electronic Media, News and Opinions.” Two areas are of concern, Ms. Ford said, are, first, safeguarding net neutrality and, second, guaranteeing community access channels on new telephone company video services over the Internet.
Most of the audience, clueless about what “net neutrality” means, learned that today one is free to visit any site on the Web, to read anything, buy from any vendor or post messages on a blog. The big telecom companies who supply the Internet to your home or office for monthly fees would like to collect extra fees for enhanced services, Ms. Ford said. The position of the League of Women Voters of the United States, Ms. Ford stressed, is that everyone should have equal access to all Web sites — that the net should remain neutral. At its last annual convention, the national league passed a resolution stating that, “The Internet must be protected from becoming another version of cable TV.”
Today, cable TV companies are required to give access to private individuals and groups to express their messages; to let schools supplement learning or broadcast special school events; and, to let communities put government meetings and programs on the air. However, no such mandate applies to new telephone company TV video services. The Connecticut League is studying the promotion of legislation that would guarantee community access on TV offered over the Internet by phone providers.
Ms. Ford said the intensive study process the league undertakes before it endorses a certain legislative position commands the respect of organizations and parties across the nation. While nonpartisan and never endorsing candidates up for election, the league does take positions on contentious legislative issues; for example, the league is for campaign finance reform and transparency, and a woman’s right to choose. The implications of the telecommunications revolution is a new area where the League of Women Voters may study and take action to protect the right of all citizens to receive and give information and to express opinions.
The Redding League’s annual meeting also marked the adoption of the 2007-2008 slate of officers and the approval of two study items to be undertaken for the coming year. The first item carries on the league’s traditional involvement in the development of the Town Plan of Conservation and Development, a plan first produced in 1963 and due for its 10-year update in 2008. The second study item is to address the issue of whether the Electoral College has outlived its usefulness and whether the more democratic concept of one person, one vote is a position that the League of Women Voters at all levels — local, state and national — should adopt.
On behalf of all members of the Redding League of Women Voters, incoming president Jane Ross thanked Emily d’Aulaire, who has served as president for the past four years, “for guiding us forward with humor, good will and quiet efficiency. Your leadership as president has inspired us to work together to continue and strengthen the league’s commitment to voter education and involvement.”
For information on how to join the league, check the league’s Web site at www.lwvct.org/redding, or contact Membership Chair Martha Korman at sinmarkor@sbcglobal.net or President Jane Ross at rossredd@aolcom.
This article was provided by the Redding League of Women Voters.
© Copyright 2008 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers
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