Werner, Bradley Make National Presentations

Summary

Nancy Werner presented a legal and regulatory update for NATOA and Mike Bradley presented on legislative solutions relating to community media funding at the ACM Annual Conference.

Nancy Werner and Mike Bradley, the partners of Bradley Werner, LLC, both made presentations to national audiences in June. 

On June 30, 2025, Nancy Werner presented on an eNATOA webinar. The webinar was entitled “FCC’s Actions to Date in 2025: What You Need to Know.” Nancy discussed the threats to PEG and other local government interests in the FCC’s Delete, Delete, Delete docket. She also talked about the potential impact of the Supreme Court’s decision in McLaughlin Chiropractic Associates, Inc. v. McKesson Corporation. Additionally, issues to watch for with the new FCC majority were highlighted. Nancy was joined on the panel by Gerry Lederer and NATOA‘s Legislative Director, Mike Lynch.  

At the Alliance for Community Media Annual Conference in Boston, Massachusetts, Mike Bradley presented as part of a panel. He shared the stage with Massachusetts State Representative Joan Meschino and BronxNet Executive Director, Michael Max Knobbe. David Gauthier, Executive Director of WinCAM moderated the session entitled “State Legislative Solutions for PEG.”

Mike kicked off the session. He updated attendees on the state of the cable industry. He showed that although cable television revenues are declining they remain significant. However, the steady decline in cable revenues directly impacts community media organizations. These organizations largely depend on franchise fee and PEG funding that are based on cable revenues and/or cable television subscribers. The levels of this support for community media is becoming unsustainable due to these declining cable television revenues. Mike then turned to the funding options available to community media, focusing on legislative solutions.

Mike gave a general overview of the legislative process. He then summarized some of the legislative options that states across the country have explored. He then turned to Minnesota legislation and summarized several different legislative options that community media advocates have pursued over the past three sessions, including: 

• Equal Access to Broadband Act
  • HF 4182/SF 4262 (2024) – Broadband Franchising Bill
  • HF 974 (2025)

• PEG Funding Fee – Streaming Bill
  • HF 4186/SF 3930 (2024) – 5% Fee on Streaming Services

• Local Digital Media Tax
  • SF 3039/HF 3261 (2023-24) – 1% tax on Digital Products to support local digital media

• Legacy Funding
  • HF 1740 (2025) would appropriate funding from the arts and cultural heritage fund to support access television.

Mike concluded by reviewing some of the benefits of broadband franchising, many of which are highlighted in his Municipal Lawyer Article, including:

• Uniform Quality of Service for Residents
• Buildout Commitments
• Consumer protections
• Franchise Fees
• Community Media Support
• Digital Education and Training

Representative Meschino followed Mike and highlighted her diligent work championing H.91/S.41, “An Act to modernize funding for community media programming,” which she passionately believes is essential for fostering diverse voices within local communities. As the bill’s author, she provided an insightful overview. She detailed its provisions. She also explained the intricate challenges community media advocates face. These challenges arise when navigating outdated funding structures that often impede their efforts. She concluded with a vision for a successful path ahead.

Michael Max Knobbe provided an energetic conclusion to the session highlighting legislative efforts in New York. During his presentation he shared this Community Media Access Day video with the Conference attendees.