Akakū: FCC Rulemaking Could End Community Television

The FCC is asking for comments on a proposed rule that, if adopted, could mark an end of community television stations like Akakū, station executives warn.

The Federal Communications Commission is offering a reply comment period on the proposed rulemaking, MB Docket No. 05-311.

Station executives say the proposed rules would effectively, “strangle the speech of millions of Americans, give cable companies a windfall of public dollars, take away local control, and end nearly fifty years of fully local community television.”

According to information compiled by Jay April, President and CEO of Akakū Maui Community Media, the issue will most likely end up in court, but Akakū is urging their viewers to provide comments in opposition to the rulemaking.

Akakū has provided a generic letter (Link) that can be revised and submitted in support of the organization’s stance. The FCC form is available for online submissions.  Executives say comments should be submitted before Friday, Dec. 14, 2018.