WEBSITE: http://maloney.house.gov
D 28-11 ASTORIA BOULEVARD
ASTORIA, NY 11102
(718) 932-1804
CAROLYN B. MALONEY
14TH DISTRICT. NEW YORK
2332 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON, DC 20515-3214
(202) 225-7944
COMMITTEES
FINANCIAL SERVICES
OVERSIGHT AND
GOVERNMENT REFORM
CHAIR
JOINT ECONOMIC COMMITTEE
(lCongre55 of tbe mtniteb~tate5
~OU5Cof !\cprc5cntattbc5
~a5'bington.1!lctC 20515-3214
October 29,2009
D
DISTRICT OFFICES,
1651 THIRD AVENUE
SUITE 311
NEW YORK, NY 10128
(212) 860-0606
Julius Genachowski
Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
445 12
th
Street SW
Washington, DC 20554
Re: Petitions before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for Declaratory Ruling
re: Public, Educational and Governmental (PEG) Channels, MB Docket No. 09-13, CSR-8126
(ACM et at.), CRS-8l27 (City ofLansing, MI), and CSR-8l28 (City ofDearborn, MI et at.)
Dear Chairman Genachowski:
I am writing to you to convey my strong support ofthe three above-mentioned petitions to
safeguard PEG cable cast channels. PEG channels are an invaluable tool that safeguards localism,
diversity, and free speech in the nation's media landscape.
For over 40 years, PEG cable cast channels have been forums for the development offree speech
and marketplace of ideas. They give citizens the opportunity to see their local government in action by
providing live and repeat coverage oflocal council, commission, and school board meetings, election
debates, public hearings, public policy forums, and community events, with both live and taped cable
casts. As a result, PEG channels have become a unique source ofcommunity-based, local information in
New York City and throughout the country. In these difficult economic times, it is particularly important
that citizens have the opportunity to see and hear how their elected officials are responding to the current
conditions.
PEG channels also provide important local programming that otherwise would not be available.
For example, PEG centers help educators at local schools, community colleges, and universities use
technology to support their teaching. In addition, they support literacy and language development,
including closed captioning and second audio programming, which meets the needs ofsignificant sectors
ofthe community. For all the foregoing reasons, I urge the Commission to give its favorable
consideration to the three above-mentioned petitions, consistent with all applicable rules and regulations.
S"rel
y
, ;J
[r~l~A. vY/;t
CAROlvN B. MALONEY
Member of Congress
CBM/gs
cc: CommissionerMeredith Attwell Baker
Commissioner Mignon Clyburn
Commissioner Michael J. Copps
Commissioner Robert M. McDowell
FCC Secretary Marlene H. Dortch
Dan Coughlin, Executive Director, Manhattan Neighborhood Network
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
au