Strategic Public Policy
Local officials are increasingly under attack – and from an often unanticipated direction. State legislatures throughout the country are considering whether local governments should be permitted to maintain control of their rights-of-way and remain at the center of video franchising. Some communities have also considered the possibility of building their own broadband or wireless network – only to be confronted by a firestorm of public opposition.
Many campaigns which purport to oppose local governments' efforts actually get their financial and operational support from communications companies. These companies, of course, often abhor the idea of sharing "their" market with any new competitor; they also prefer to operate their business with as little local oversight as possible. "Astroturf" organizations (i.e., fake grass roots groups), push polling (the tactic of persuading through the pretense of a poll), and massive letter-writing campaigns are just a few of the weapons in the Fortune 100 company's public-advocacy arsenal.
Our cable and communications practice group has a keen understanding of the public policy strategies employed by communications companies. While he worked for cable operators, Jon Kreucher was responsible for developing public campaigns and legislative strategies on a broad geographic basis. The teams Mr. Kreucher led developed a perfect track record on legislative matters and local referenda.
Local governments typically lack the financial resources to adequately respond to public campaigns launched by the cable or telephone company. Therefore, it is particularly important that local officials anticipate such campaigns and engage in a thoughtful plan of public outreach from the very beginning of an effort. Mr. Kreucher's unique "insider's knowledge" of the public policy techniques employed by communications companies can help you anticipate public attacks, minimize their effect, and advocate your position to the public. Call us at (248) 723-0426 or fill in the "Contact Us" section on the firm's homepage we will be in touch with you soon.