Cable Franchise Renewals
Have you received a letter from your cable operator requesting a renewal of its cable franchise? Wondering what should be done next?
Most local officials are surprised by this fact: If your renewal is subject to federal law, a cable franchise renewal is expected to begin nearly three years before the existing franchise expires. That's because there can be a significant amount of work associated with a franchise renewal. The operator's compliance with the existing franchise should be reviewed, the community's future cable-related needs should be determined, and the negotiation of a new franchise agreement has to be competed -- to name just a few items. Most cable franchises are also issued for a term of 10 – 15 years. Consequently, a cable franchise renewal is an opportunity that rarely presents itself. Well-prepared communities reap the financial benefits of their effort for a long time to come – those less prepared can pay the price for the next decade or more.
Our practice group's experience in cable franchise renewals is truly unique. While working for cable companies, attorney Jon Kreucher and his teams secured over 500 franchise renewals. As a consequence, Mr. Kreucher is one of the most experienced franchise renewal attorneys in the country. Local officials now seek this "insider's knowledge" of cable operations, internal reporting, and the industry's renewal-related goals so they can quickly separate fact from fiction when at the negotiation table with a cable operator.
We can help you through the challenges created by a cable franchise renewal. Call us at (248) 723-0426 or fill in the "Contact Us" section on the firm's homepage and we will get in touch with you soon.