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City Council approves 15-year cable franchise for WinFirst after heated debate over finances and transfers
Summary
The Los Angeles City Council on July 24 approved a 15-year franchise ordinance granting WinFirst a citywide cable franchise, 12-2, after weeks of debate about the company's financial stability and safeguards on future transfers.
The Los Angeles City Council on July 24 approved a 15-year franchise ordinance awarding a second citywide cable franchise to WinFirst, a move supporters said would introduce competition while opponents warned the company is not yet financially established. The measure passed on second reading with a recorded vote of 12 ayes and 2 noes.
Councilmember Alex Padilla urged approval as a step toward bringing competition to cable service in Los Angeles, saying the council must take some risk to create choice for constituents. “It is a risk. It is a bold step that we're taking. But the question to ask yourself today is, do we or do we not want to begin the process of bringing competition of cable service to every community in the city of Los Angeles? I believe we should,” Padilla said.
The ordinance drew sustained questioning and opposition from Councilmember Jack Holden, who said he felt unable to vote in favor because he…
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