Governor Jim Doyle says he wants to make sure legislation de-regulating the cable industry will protect consumers. The bill being fast-tracked in the state Senate would make it easier for video providers to enter Wisconsin markets. The Governor says that's a fine goal, as long as it helps consumers out as well. Doyle says the Legislature must be "confident" that Wisconsin consumers aren't being moved backwards by the bill. He says it must provide the protections that they need.
Doyle says he sees a need for the bill because technology has changed so much and the process for granting cable franchises has not kept up with that.
Opponents of the legislation argue it will hurt consumers in the long run. However, Doyle says the bill has been change through the legislative process to make sure cable subscribers can take action against a bad provider.