Legislation

Formerly, the City of Los Angeles had 14 cable television franchise areas that were served by three incumbent cable operators; Time Warner had approximately 600,000 subscribers, Cox had approximately 10,000 subscribers and Charter had less than 60 subscribers. The City had provided cable television franchising regulatory authority of its cable television operators for over 30 years. The City's oversight of its incumbent cable television operators in the areas of consumer services and financial payments to the City, technical compliance with all local, state and federal laws, and Public, Educational and Governmental Access support had been ensured by City-issued franchises and ordinances through the City's vigilant enforcement of those ordinances.

Under changes brought by the State legislature and Governor, on September 29, 2006, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed in to law the Digital Infrastructure and Video Competition Act of 2006 (DIVCA). The California Public Utilities Code was amended under DIVCA to preempt the City's cable television franchising rights to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) as of January 1, 2007.

DIVCA provides for the City to continue to collect a 5% gross revenue fee from the incumbent cable operators and from the telecommunications companies that offer video television services within the City's limits. Under DIVCA the City enforces State and Federal Consumer Service Standards against a state franchise holder.

The City is currently engaged in the appeal of the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals 2008 decision that upholds  the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) First Order on Franchising that may also further limit the City's rights in the oversight of its cable/video TV providers.

Assembly Bill No. 2987 (DIVCA)

L.A. City Ordinance No. 178108 (Pursuant to AB 2987 - DIVCA)

Council Resolution authorizing City
 to challenge FCC Order as intervenor
(to overturn/modify FCC Order regarding Video TV Matters)