JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY
9TH DISTRICT, ILLINOIS
COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE
HOUSE PERMANENT SELECT
COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE
CHIEF DEPUTY WHIP
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November 20, 2009
2367 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
Telephone: 202-225-2111
Fax: 202-226-6890
TTY : 202-225-1904
5533 N. BROADWAY, SUITE 2
CHICAGO, IL 60640
Telephone: 773-506-7100
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820 DAVIS STREET, SUITE 105
EVANSTON, IL 60201
Telephone: 847-328-3409
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The Honorable Julius Genachowski
Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
445 12
th
Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554
Re: Petitions for Declaratory Ruling Regarding Public, Educational and Governmental (PEG)
Access Channels, MB Docket No. 09-13, CSR-8126, CRS-8127, and CSR-8128.
Dear Chairman Genachowski:
On March 6,2009, I filed comments urging the FCC to grant the above- referenced
Petitions to prevent industry practices that impair the accessibility and functionality ofPEG
channels. An expedited decision on this matter will safeguard PEG channels and uphold the
goals of encouraging localism and diversity in media.
In Illinois, AT&T is rolling out a system that deprives PEG channels ofbasic
functionality afforded commercial channels on its U-Verse system. AT&T's plan for PEG goes
in the opposite direction ofgoals embracing media solutions that meaningfully serve all sectors
ofsociety. A recent Digital Excellence study conducted in Chicago found 40% ofthe population
in Chicago remains unconnected or less connected to the Internet. PEG channels on the cable
system help bridge that gap, and serve a unique function in the 9
th
Congressional District,
including:
• The creation ofprogramming at Evanston Community Media Center for television and
the Internet by over 100 volunteer members and organizations such as NAACP and
League ofWomen Voters.
• Emergency alerts and information on the City ofDes Plaines PEG channel, which
devotes its channel to public safety information during emergencies like the flooding of
the Des Plaines river this past year.
• Digital literacy training, equipment and facility use for thousands ofresidents and
nonprofit groups that use CAN TV in Chicago to address health care, immigration issues,
job opportunities, arts initiatives, and civic engagement.
• Educational programming provided by Loyola University, Oakton Community College,
Chicago Public Schools and other institutions.
WEBSITE: http://www.house.gov/schakowsky/ PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
CIl>
E-MAIL: jan.schakowsky@mail.house.gov
1906
Chairman Genachowski
November 20, 2009
Page 2
Ifthe FCC fails to prevent the industry practices at issue in these petitions, other
operators might also adopt approaches that marginalize or effectively eliminate PEG access. I
urge the FCC to grant the PEG Petitions as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
of Congress
cc: The Honorable Michael Copps
The Honorable Robert McDowell
The Honorable Mignon Clyburn
The Honorable Meredith Atwell Baker