The following memorandum is being circulated by TAP to gather support for the study of funding for non-commercial information services.

To: Persons interested in the support of non-commercial information services

From: Ned Daly and James Love, Taxpayer Assets Project (202) 387-8030

Date: March 8, 1994

Re: Funding of non-commercial information services (based upon Netherlands Model)

The attached is a proposed section of HR 3636 which would require the FCC to conduct an inquiry into different methods of providing financial support for non-commercial information services (including video programming). Much of the text deals with the most basic and fundamental issues, such as the appropriate levels of funding, who (if anyone) would contribute to a national fund to support non-commercial information services, and the degree of decentralization in the funding mechanisms.

Section (c) of the language would direct the Commission to consider models which would provide funding to democratically controlled organizations which are organized for the purposes of supporting non-commercial information services, which receive funding in proportion to their grass roots support in a democratic process. This is based upon the system now used in the Netherlands, which provides special broadcasting citizen "movements" allocations of time on television and radio in proportion to their membership.

This system is used allocate non-commercial time on three television and five radio systems in the Netherlands. Temporary permits are given to "movements" which receive at least 60,000 signatures, and a more permanent license is given to groups which receive more than 150,000 signatures.

At present there are 9 movements which qualify for airtime in the Netherlands, including three christian movements, two liberal movements (one of which is directed at children), one left wing movement, one humanist movement, one political movement which incorporates all political parties, and one license holder devoted to local sports programming.

Please contact us for additional information on the system in the Netherlands.

(Attachment:)

The Commission shall conduct an inquiry into methods of providing financial support for non-commercial information services. This inquiry will address:

a)The level of support which would adequately reflect democratic commitments to non-commercial information services.

b)Alternative funding mechanisms, including revenues from a percentage of the gross receipts of radio, broadcast television, cellular and PCS license holders; common carrier telephone services, and video services provided by telephone and cable television companies.

c)Methods of allocating funds to non-commercial information service providers, including models which provide funding to private democratically controlled organizations devoted to the support of non-commercial information services, which receive funding on the basis of proportional support in a competitive and democratic selection mechanism.

d)The degree of decentralization in funding mechanisms which would best balance the needs for economies of experience and operations with the benefits from greater sensitivity to local concerns and needs.

e)Models of support for non-commercial information services used in municipalities, states, and in foreign countries.

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