Date: Thu, 14 Nov 2002 14:48:02 -0700
From: jim.iannuzo@lpmaricopa.org ("LPMaricopa")
Subject: Libertarian TV
To: webmaster@lpmaricopa.org ("E-Mail Recipients")
Reply-To: jim.iannuzo@lpmaricopa.org ("LPMaricopa")


Guys,

Thanks for supporting the Libertarian TV project. Doesn't the idea of 
Libertarian TV sound good?

Let me give you the particulars on the video hardware class, that we are 
required to attend prior to using Access Phoenix's equipment.
  a.. Please pick one of these dates if you are still uncommitted.
    a.. Session 1: Saturday 11/16/02
    b.. Session 2: Saturday 12/21/02 (*date subject to change)
  b.. We have reserved spots for both weekends, so there is nothing to 
do, except show up. 
  c.. Please arrive at 8:45AM. The class is scheduled to finish at 
1:00PM. The cost is $30.
  d.. Ed Carlson will attend this weekend, I will attend the class in 
December.
  e.. We will begin programming in January.
Here's a link and map: 
http://accessphoenix.org/
Access Phoenix
3322 West Catalina Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85017




Now, I want to address a question about whether we should use the local 
public access channel to produce our Libertarian TV show. Is taxpayer 
money being used? The MCLP position on this subject is; "taxation is 
theft". I strongly concur with this position butrealize that we need to 
be clear when discussing taxes. Prior taxation does not mean that we can 
not hold a voter registration drive in a public park or outside the 
county library. We are not fighting the battle for the past, we are 
fighting the battle for the future.

As many of you know, cable companies were viewed as competitors to 
traditional broadcast television and to secure franchise agreements, 
agreed to federal regulation mandating dedicated public access channels. 
Eventually the Federal regulations went away and local communities 
provided for public access via renewable contracts.

I spoke with a Cox Communications corporate officer about this subject. 
He stated that in those communities where many bids are accepted, they 
include public access channels to remain competitive. In Phoenix, this 
translates into a conscious business decision by Cox. In a true 
marketplace comprised of multiple cable providers, some would include 
public access to attract certain groups of customers much like a 
dedicated sports or news channel. The problem is not with a contract 
that provides public access but rather with the monopolistic business 
practices allowed to exist.

The second part of this question centers on Access Phoenix's (501c3) 
role. They serve as the conduit between the producer, equipment and air 
time. I do believe that this group received seed money from the City of 
Phoenix around 1995. They also have existing contracts with the City of 
Phoenix to provide content and editing services. We have the option to 
use their studio and equipment. It is not free, we pay a nominal hourly 
charge based on the depreciation of their equipment. As long as the city 
is not paying actual costs associated with our use, I do not see a 
problem. 

Regards,
Jim.