U.S. Senate may approve more competition for cable TV

by Cathy Wurzer, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — Channel surfers could pick up a remote and dial in their favorite programs if the U.S. Senate supports a recently-approved House bill, making it easier for telephone companies to provide subscription television services.

Supporters of the bill say it will lower cable television bills, but opponents worry that the bill will deal a potentially fatal blow to cable access programming.

MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with Mike Wassenaar, executive director of St. Paul Neighborhood Network and Chair of the National Alliance for Community Media.