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LOCAL Announcement :: Media

HELP CAN-TV Pt 2

Dear Friends of CAN TV-
January 19, 2004


Dear Friend of CAN TV,


Just over a year ago, we had cause for optimism when RCN ended an 8-month long default and paid the $645,000 due to CAN TV. Your strong stand on this issue made the difference then and I writing now to ask you for your help again. On January 7, 2004, RCN defaulted for the second time in two years, this time on a $215,000 CAN TV payment due for cable area 2.

I'm attaching Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times articles discussing this situation. You'll note that in the Chicago Tribune article, an RCN representative said that RCN had not paid CAN TV because it is seeking modifications in its agreement with the City, including changes in the way its local access fees are determined. This suggests that RCN is attempting to hold CAN TV hostage for a payment that is already overdue in order to get the relief it wants from the City.
Two years ago, similar tactics were used by RCN to seek relief from its franchise obligations to the City by withholding $645,000 owed to CAN TV.

RCN wants to pull out of cable areas 3 & 4. In addition to pulling out of those two areas, RCN is attempting to halt construction in cable area 2 and is seeking to drastically reduce its funding obligation to CAN TV in that area. The total funding at stake is one fourth of the annual budget for CAN TV. Chicago residents face the loss of cable competition in three out of five cable areas in Chicago, which will lead to a monopoly in Chicago's cable market.

Two years ago you sent the message loud and clear that the public will not stand for RCN ignoring its public obligations. I hope that you will join us in protesting this default by writing letters to David McCourt, RCN's CEO, and Mayor Richard M. Daley about your involvement at CAN TV and why it is important that RCN make good on its obligations (see attached information, "How you can help.") In addition, the Chicago Cable Commission will be reviewing this matter in the coming month with the next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. in the Harold Washington Library basement studio. And we will be providing regular updates on the RCN default at www.cantv.org/rcn.

Your participation, and that of thousands of people in Chicago, has contributed to making this one of the best public access centers in the country. Let's work together to make sure that CAN TV not only survives but thrives in the future.

Sincerely,



Barbara Popovic
Executive Director

Enc: Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times articles

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Write letters to:

David McCourt Mayor Richard M. Daley
Chairman and CEO 121 N. LaSalle St. Room 507
RCN Corporate Headquarters Chicago, Illinois 60602
105 Carnegie Center
Princeton, NJ 08540

 Put the letters in your own words, using the sample letters below as an example.
 If you are part of an organization, please put the letters on letterhead.
 If you want to receive these sample letters by email, send an email to mstack (at) cantv.org or call Cathy Rosales at (312) 738-1400.
 We would appreciate receiving a copy of your letters at CAN TV, Attn: Letters, 322 S. Green, Chicago, Illinois 60607; by fax to (312) 738-2519; or by email to mstack (at) cantv.org.

DAVID McCOURT LETTER (sample):

Dear Mr. McCourt,

I am writing about RCN's default on a $215,000 payment to CAN TV. RCN committed to the support of CAN TV. This is the second major default on RCN's public obligations in the past two years.

I use CAN TV to [describe how you use the services, why CAN TV is important, who benefits from your programming, any results you've gotten.]

I urge you to pay the $215,000 immediately. CAN TV depends on it and I (we) depend on CAN TV.

Sincerely,


MAYOR DALEY LETTER (sample):

Dear Mayor Daley,

I am writing about RCN's default on a $215,000 payment to CAN TV. RCN committed to the support of CAN TV. This is the second major default on RCN's public obligations in the past two years.

I use CAN TV to [describe how you use the services, why CAN TV is important, who benefits from your programming, any results you've gotten.]

I urge you to take whatever measures are necessary to help assure that RCN meets its full payment obligations to CAN TV. Anything less will result in direct harm to the most valuable public benefit that has come out of having cable in Chicago.

Sincerely,
 
 

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