------MEMORANDUM
DATE: June 23, 1997 EX PAFlTE OR LATE FILED RECEIVED TO: Dockets JUN 25 1997 FROM: William H. Johnson Deputy Chief, Cable Services Bureau
SUBJECT: Ex parte notice filing
Please include the attached in Docket 9~ (j 6---) 1~
v
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE peN SUMMER 1996
At a recent meeting of the PCN Board of Directors, the commitment to educational Full-Time Operational Control of programming as a part of the PCN mission was confirmed. PCN Moving to Camp Hill il Included will be continued availability of channel time to higher education for college n September, the PennsylvaniaCable Net when the network engages in Ii ve event cover credit courses, but with emphasis on support I work facility in Camp Hill will assume age-andevery weekday evening-PCNstaff ing andadvancing participationby institutions 24-hourcontrol ofthe PCNchannel, marking members assume manual control of network of higher learning that demonstrate interest the completion of a profound change in the operations. and commitment for the aggressive use of management and organization of program Fiber-optic lines, satellite transmissions, PCN for statewide distribution of relevant ming for distribution on the network. microwave feeds, and videotape machine sig formal educational courses. In the next several PCN programming was originally man nals converge at PCN Master Control, where months, appropriate lines ofcommunication aged in University Park, where The Pennsyl an operator selects the appropriate source and will be developed directly between PCN and vania State University scheduled educational then adds on-screen graphics about the h~ participating institutions of higher learning telecourses for Commonwealth citizens. In programming, location, topic, speaker, and with guidelines and procedures for use of 1993, the network responded to a growing schedule information-all while the event is channel time. need for public affairs programming by being televised. PCN's commitment to live In addition, PCN will be looking into building an uplink facility in Camp Hill (five and same-day state government coverage n September 1, 1996, the responsibility participation by a broader range of educa miles from the State Capitol Building) which often requires playback operators to reference O of The Pennsylvania State University tional and training entities, including public allowed for timely coverage ofstate govern names and add contextual information while for educational programming on the Penn systems, with emphasis on identifying and ment activities. witnessing the event for the very first time. sylvania Cable Network will come to an end. establishingexisting learning resources which By January 1995, arranged educational Manual playback also allows for last We take pride in the unique partnership are suitable for utilization by way of PCN in programming and PCN public affairs pro minute programming changes in an effort to between PCN for the cable industry and Penn the home and workplace. Literacy training gramming were being processed through the bring viewers the most current and relevant State for higher education that has worked and basic skills are expected to be included in uplink facility. A direct fiber-optic link eventsoftheday. The MasterControl operator effectively since September 1979 to provide this programming. between the Capitol and PCN complexes was keeps the network going unti Imidnight, when college credit courses, literacy training, and In the area of innovation, explorations established later that year, allowing for live playback duties are again placed upon the other educational programs to cable subscrib will include the adaptation of the "events carriage of Pennsylvania Senate and House automated facility. ers in their homes. We especially commend coverage" concept ofPCN public affairs pro floor proceedings. While technically challenging, estab Penn State for its leadership and commitment gramming to educational programming; the Currently, PCN staff members at Camp lishing 24-hour operational control ofPCN in to the utilization for education of the distri utilization of existing statewide support and Hill are responsible for assembling 86 pro Camp Hill will enable the network to respond bution system of PCN, the first educational coordinating educational systems; and the gramming hours weekly-a total which will more readily to programming, production, cablenetwork in the United States and perhaps use ofothertechnologies with PCN'sdelivery nearly double in September with the assump and promotional opportunities in the months anywhere. system to enhance effectiveness. tion oHull-time operational control. and years to come. As of September I, 1996, PCN will be in The integration ofthePennsylvania Cable In advance ofthis development, network control of, and have responsibility for, the Network channel, which now is possible engineers have constructed a new automated channel overall. The lead article of this issue with PCN overall management, will be of tape playback facility consisting ofvideotape of PCNvision describes the elements and substantial benefit to the look ofthe channel; recorders and monitors directed by acomputer workings of the master control and related to on-air promotional support for all of the and atape playbackcontroller. Once program systems that will manage the programming programming; and for PCN identification med, the playback unit can roll videotapes distribution. and effectiveness as a cable network respon and address receive sources without direct On the educational programming itself, sive to the interests andneeds ofPennsyIvania supervision. the next year will be a time of rededication, as a community, and featuring educational At midnight, the unit will televise a transition, innovation, and comprehensive and public affairs programming. satellite feed from Deutsche Welle, featuring channel integration. international news and information. Six hours later, the automation system is scheduled to air the first videotape in a series of PCN COVERPHOTO: COUDERSPORT MoVIE THEATRE, Coudersport, PA. Watercolorby Maxine Shear. Coudersport is home to Adelphia Cable Communications, which proudly carries PCN on local cable channel 28. PCNvision educational offerings ranging from literacy (ISSN 1071-2046) ispublishedseasonallyfour times a yearbythe Pennsylvania Cable Network, 401Fallowfield training programs to college-level instruction Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011. Founding Editor: Bradford N. Hammer. Issue #4. For information, or to request from state institutions ofhigher learning. additionalcopiesofthispublication,contactPCNbyphone: (717)730-6000,orelectronic mail: [email protected]. Although the automated facility can also re-air scheduled public affairs programming, 1000~]lli:~ "li1~1 [Jf1i :!. J~I $,'.'II];J:IQ :{IIH ;!;1~'( [[,1[!~••••••••••••••••••• ' m Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 12A European Journal: The News Magazine (in Spanish) 12:30 Deutsche Welle Programming (in Spanish) 1 European Journal: The News Magazine 1:30 Deutsche Welle Programming 2 Ethics in America Public Presidency World of Chemistry The Earth Revealed Rural Communities Destinos French in Action 2:30 3 3:30 4 4:30 5 5:30 6A Art of the Western Ethics in America World of Chemistry Western Tradition Race to Save Planet Rural Communities Out of the Past 6:30 World 7 Rural Communities Public Presidency To the Contrary The Earth Revealed Rural Communities The Earth Revealed World in Review 7:30 Open Mind European Journal 8 Destinos: An Introduction to Spanish On Your Own European Journal SP 8:30 French in Action Asia Now 9 Out of the Past Computer Chronicles World of Chemistry Western Tradition Race to Save Planet Public Presidency Alles Oute 9:30 Technopolitics 10 Art of the Western Public Presidency To the Contrary The Earth Revealed Rural Communities World of Chemistry Schauplatz 10:30 World Open Mind Deutschland 11 On Your Own Art of the Western French Hexagone, or 11 :30 World France TV Magazine
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 12P PA Political Caucus Live Coverage of Events in the State Legislature, or Unique Continent Out of the Past 12:30 Report Pennsylvania Public Affairs Programming from the Previous Evening 1 Pennsylvania Race to Save Planet World in Review 1:30 Factory Tours European Journal 2 Pennsylvania Specific program information is available on-screen at 12:00 noon and 6:00 p.m., Rural Communities European Journal SP 2:30 Public Affairs as well as on the lower portion of the screen during public affairs coverage. Asia Now 3 Firing Line Schauplatz 3:30 Inside Washington Deutschland 4 PCN also distributes detailed schedule listings each weekday evening by electronic mail. Market to Market Pennsylvania 4:30 For information on this free service, contact the network at [email protected]. Computer Chronicles Parade 5 PA Political Caucus Pennsylvania Libri 5:30 Report Parade 6P Monday's State Tuesday's State Wednesday's State Pennsylvania PA Political Caucus Select Events from This Week in 6:30 Legislature Coverage Legislature Coverage Legislature Coverage Public Affairs Report (1 st Friday) the State Legislature 7 Pennsylvania 7:30 Factory Tours 8 Pennsylvania 8:30 Public Affairs 9 9:30 10 10:30 11 PA Political Caucus 11 :30 Report (1st Friday)
~ Literacy Training ~ College Telecourse ~ Pennsylvania Public Affairs Effective 22 July 1996 peN SUMMER 1996 More Cable Compani Add PCN
ew carriage agreements and continuing "Knowing the tremendous impact of the [;)s[J(]~@vL1W&U(JD&~ corporate commitments have increased state legislature on Pennsylvania residents the availability of PCN service, providing and ourcustomers in particular-weare proud reated by an Act of Legislature which act as game protectors as well as forest, fish, citizens ofthe Commonwealth with a greater to join in support of the Pennsylvania Cable C was signedinto law by GovernorSamuel and fire wardens. opportunity to see their state government in Network," proclaimed L. Michael Reynolds, W. Pennypacker on May 2,1905, the Penn Criminal investigation and administrative action. Vice President of Raystay Co., the parent sylvania State Police was the first uniformed service consume approximately 40% of the In late May, TCI of Pennsylvania added company of TV Cable of Carlisle. "PCN's police organization of its kind in the United total on-duty time of the State Police, while PCN to its Aliquippa and Baden systems. The public affairs coverage, and its ability to offer States. the remaining 60% is devoted to traffic and launch ofthe network's educational and public educational opportunities to local citizens, The State Police Force and its members other public safety services. affairs programming to more than 28,000 make it a unique and valuable addition to our are authorized and empoweredto make arrests The PennsylvaniaState Police Department households in Allegheny and Beavercounties system in Carlisle." without warrant for all violations of the law is headed by a Commissioner ofState Police, was concomitant with TCI's expansion of Carlisle is also home to Dickinson Col which they may witness, and to serve and who is appointed by the Governor with the PCN carriage on a number of suburban lege, which has hosted several public forums execute warrants issued by the proper local consent of the Senate. The Governor also Pittsburgh systems. televised by PCN. In November, the network authorities. These powers are extended appoints three Deputy Commissioners. "TCI recognizes the value and importance provided same-day coverage of a town throughout all the political subdivisions of PCN recently aired the Pennsylvania State of state government programming on the meeting with Governor Tom Ridge and the Commonwealth. Police annual service awards ceremony, State Pennsylvania Cable Network," said Shawn Education Secretary Eugene Hickok on the Members of the force additionally have Police Memorial Day observance, and State McGorry, General Manager of Tel of Penn governor's education reform proposal. PCN all the powers and prerogatives conferred by Police Department budget hearings before the sylvania's Pittsburgh Supersystem. "As part also aired GovernorRidge's 1996commence law upon police in first class cities and upon Pennsylvania House and Senate appropria ofthis agreement, more ofourcustomers than ment address at the college. constables of the Commonwealth, and may tions committees. ever before will have access to the network's Clearview CATV has also joinedthe ranks full schedule." The company delivers PCN to of participating systems through carriage of approximately 225,000 suburban Pittsburgh the Pennsylvania Cable Network in Delta and Battlefield Tours households. Fawn Grove; as well as in Chanceford, Fawn, in Gettysburg Customers of TV Cable of Carlisle also Lower Chanceford, and Peach Bottom town have access to live and same-day television ships. Clearview CATV provides cable tele Shown on peN coverage of the Pennsylvania Senate and vision service to 2,000 subscriber households House (along with Commonwealth events in the Commonwealth. n commemoration of the Battle such as the State Farm Show), thanks to an Later this summer, Adelphia Cable Com I ofGettysburg anniversary, PCN arrangement with the PennsylvaniaCable Net munications will roll-out PennsyIvania Cable aired five special walking tours work. TV Cable serves 17,000 subscribers in Network service on its Plum Borough, Nanty given by park rangers at Gettysburg the Carlisle area-many of whom are Glo, Adams Township (east of Johnstown), National Military Park during the associated with state government. and Portage systems; as well as adding the first week in July. network to its expanding channel line-up in "Guts and Good Leadership," New Bethlehem. PCN is also increasing its the initial battlefield tour, focused Adelphia subscriber base in Montgomery principally upon the action Park Ranger Scott Hartwig explains the circumstances leading up to County, as Lansdale and other suburban involving Cutler's Brigade, the 6th Pickett's Charge as part ofa special Battle ofGettysburg walking tour. Philadelphia systems begin receiving PCN's Wisconsin, and Davis' Mississippi signal. Growing support from Adelphia is Brigade on the morning ofJuly 1, 1863-the Commentary on July 3, the final anniver part ofthat company's commitment for state first day ofthe conflict. sary battle date, began with an exploration of wide carriage ofthe nonprofit network. Guided tours at Gettysburg National the artillery bombardment that preceded Military Park televised the following evening Pickett's Charge from the perspective ofCem were titled "TheWounded and the Dead," and etery Ridge. The PennsylvaniaCable Network "A Desperate Effort." The first detailed the concluded its coverage with the attack and fjPCNX~~~~~ collection, evacuation, and treatment of the repulse ofGarnett's BrigadeofPickett'sDivi wounded in the Battle of Gettysburg; the sion (the final walking tour), and apresentation second replayed the assault on East Cemetery of this attack from the Union perspective of http://www.pcntv.com Hill following Avery's and Hay's Confed AlexanderB. Hay's Division ofthe 2nd Army erate brigades. Corps. Non-Profit Corp. U.S. Postage A public service of Pennsylvania ···r~-~P"C"'NSMN :~## f "I 'i ~ ft· ...•... ' . PAID cable television companies C Meadville, PA <,·.:··,})· ..:....,...·):·i·;··...:···;:\··,\:i::'<':!:i<··::· ;.::(,;/,<,>7'... ,.,..... ·····c.•·,.·.;·.r,":.::'::·:·::··::···; ,":\":::'(.'.:,',. :, Permit No. 411 Pennsylvania Cable Network
401 Fallowfield Road. Camp Hill, PA 17011 Non-Profit Corp. A public service ofPennsylvania cable U.S. Postage PAl D television companies Meadville, PA Permit No. 411 Pennsylvania Cable Network
401 Fallowfield Road • Camp HilL PA 17011 ··01 ~
:< ::0 t-4 zOO Gl t-4 ~~ PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE PCN SPRING 1997
suburban Pittsburgh, the Harrisburg area; sig Extensive Coverage of 1997-98 State nificant population centers like Scranton, Allentown, and Reading; and parts of central BUdget Process Shown on Network and suburban Philadelphia. In view of the reregulatory and financial burdens which ommencing with live coverage of PCN's coverage of the EJ97-1998 budget have faced cable companies in the last two C Governor Ridge's Budget Address and process follows its unedited coverage of the years, the participation and support for PCN continuing through Senate and House ap state's 19!)(j.-1997 spending plan, when W6 have been remarkable and a credit to cable's propriation committee meetings, floor de hours of budget-related hearings were carried responsiveness to the public interest. bate, and the signing of the approved on the network. Our immediate goals are to secure car spending plan; the Pennsylvania Cable riage in the rest of Greater Philadelphia, in Network is providing state citizens with an ex downtown Pittsburgh, and in Erie. PCN tensive and unfiltered view of the 1~)D7-1998 Foreign Language would then cover all of the state's most budget process. Programs at Night ~h~ densely populated centers and-in doing so Governor Ridge's proposed allocation of establish the reality of a statewide network. Pennsylvania's $16.9 billion dollar General ate-night PCN watchers can receive n the last edition of PCNvision we took Of course, full participation in PCN by Fund addresses education funding, day care L news and information in several lan I stock of the performance of PCN as a the cable industry is a requirement for the fi monies for the poor, senior citizen services, guages, thanks to the network's carriage cable network responding to the interests and nancial soundness of and taxes paid by small businesses. In of the "Deutsche Welle" international credibili~y needs of Pennsylvania and its people. By this undertaking un The February and March, his plan was taken up programming service during overnight every measure, including der its adopted busi of peN and the in 70 separate budget hearings conducted by hours. • The dramatic increase in cable partici ness plan. Also, the cable industry members of the Senate and House appropri Originating in Cologne, Germany, pation and subscriber count; credibility of PCN ation committees-all 70 of which were aired "Deutsche Welle" programming -hours • The striking growth and enhancement and the cable indus are at risk on PCN. generally consist of a thirty-minute news of public affairs programming; try are at risk if the expectation of state-wide Once reviewed by the appropriation cast followed by spotlights on business • The creation of Pennsylvania-specific coverage for public affairs programming is committees, Governor Ridge's budget pro and industry, people, sports, and travel. weekly series; and not met soon. In fact, a number of govern posal, along with any suggested amendments, Most programs air in either German or • Response to major economic and cul mental leaders have been emphatic at ex is placed before the General Assembly for de English, although news in Spanish is also tural interests of the Pennsylvania com pressing disappointment that PCN is not bate. If the two chambers cannot pass the telecast. munity (such as the State Farm Show), carried in various areas. original or amended version of the spending "We have heard from a number of the performance has been impressive. Above all else, it is absolutely essential plan, the budget is then placed before Senate Pennsylvanians in support of foreign lan PCN clearly has come a long way with its that the linkages be completed which will and House leaders in a joint conference com guage programming on the network-es satellite delivery and its public affairs initia transform a fragmented distribution system mittee-a scenario which was played out be pecially from viewers of German tives, but the stark reality is that until sub into an integrated state network with dynamic fore PCN viewers in 1996. Following approval descent," noted PCN Director of stantially all ofPennsylvania cable subscribers interaction on governmental, political, edu by the General Assembly on a spending plan, Marketing Bradford Hanuner. "Carriage receive PCN, the network cannot truly fulfill cational, economic, and cultural matters di the budget is returned to Governor Ridge for of 'Deutsche Welle' programming is an its mission, no matter how significant and rectly affecting the quality of life. Only then his authorization. other way in which the Pennsylvania worthwhile the programming. can PCN realize its full potential as a unique According to the Pennsylvania Constitu Cable Network is responsive to the inter Today, PCN is available in a little more and effective system of citizen communica tion, the governor holds line-item veto power ests and needs of state residents." than half of the 3.4 million cable subscriber tion, participation, and empowerment for over the state budget. And while there exists "Deutsche Welle" programming is households in the state, including much of the Pennsylvania community. no formal deadline under which lawmakers available on PCN from midnight until 7:00 must approve the allocation of funds, the a.m. weekdays, and from midnight until
COVER PHOTO: NORlH FACADE OF LUZERll/E COUNTY COl'RTIfOUSE. Wilkes-Barre. Photograph by Ralph C. Vivian. Wilkes Commonwealth's fiscal year ends onJune 30, 6: 12 AM Deutsche Welle Programming: Spanish 12:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., English 1:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., German 2:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m., 12:30 English 3:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m., German 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. A monthly Deutsche Welle program guide is available without charge by writing D.W. Programming, P.O. Box 803, Corvallis, OR 97339 -----f------,------i 6AM Deutsche Welle Programming (in German) Paid Programming 6:30 -- -1------1 7AM Learn to Read 7:30 Workbooks for all 30 episodes can be ordered at (800) 354-9067 - -- f------j 8AM GEDon TV 8:30 Workbooks for all 43 episodes can be ordered at (BOO) 354-9067 9 AM IA.n't'~tJ.ca Economics U$A 9:30 IP¢1'$~ctive Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday lOAM rPAe;;"~s~ - Uve Coverage of State Legislative Activities and Events, or Paid Programming ___10:30 ipA Public Affairs Pennsylvania Public Affairs Programming from the Previous Evening 11 AM 11 :30_1 Specific program information is available on-screen at 10:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m., and 7:00 p,m., as well as on the I "---- 12 PM lower portion of the screen during public affairs coverage. 12:30 -- ---+------1 1 PM PCN Tours 1:30 PCN also distributes a detailed schedule listing each weekday evening -+------i via electronic mail. The updates contain public affairs programming 2 PM PA Books listings for a 24-hour or weekend period. For information on this free GED on TV 2:30 service, contact the network at [email protected]. (BOO) 954-9067 --+------1 3 PM PCN Profiles 3:30 -+------1 Viewers are welcome to leave program comments at (717) 730-6004. 4 PM PA Public Affairs PCN's Web site is www.pcntv.com. 4:30 ------r------f------,------,------f------f"-'-"-'-"-'-"-'--'------1 5 PM IMonday's State Tuesday's State Wednesday's State Pennsylvania Public Affairs PA Cable Showcase PA Caucus Shows Legislative 5:30 Legislative Legislative Programming This Week in the PA Public Affairs - ---Activities and Activities and Activities and State Legislature 6 PM Events Events Events Includes same-day coverage of 6:30 State Legislative Activities, along 7PM with Pennsylvania Events 7:30 - 8PM PCNTours 8:30 ------9PM PA Books 9:30 _ .. _------10 PM PCN Profiles 10:30 - 11 PM PA Public Affairs 11 :30 ______L.------'- _ L....__ L_ Training Penn51v~ia LlT1.CT[\"1. II ·\I'IUL 1')<17 ------Literacy College Telecourses==r. PublicMfair peN SPRING 1997 Press Club, Reporters Forum Monthly ~~~I,nC~~v71\V7/~\IY'DifT\ esponding to viewers' needs for addi the Pennsylvania Legislative Correspondents ~l~I...k.JL..k-J~LJ G\J!...r~L..k_J' ~ R tional insight into the people and policies Association, the Pennsylvania Association of which shape Pennsylvania laws, the Broadcasters, and the Pennsylvania Public orrectional institutions in Pennsylvania when the facility was known as the Western Pennsylvania Cable Network has scheduled Relation Society. C are divided into five security classifica Penitentiary. The institution has a capacity of Pennsylvania Press Club coverage and its "PA Pennsylvania Press Club luncheons tions: community, minimum, medium, close, 1,200 prisoners, but presently houses a popu Journalists Roundtable" forum on a monthly which have aired on PCN include a pilot and maximum. Most ofthe ~~ prisons run by lation of 1,800. basis. meeting in November featuring State Re the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections OnJanuary 8, six inmates escaped from The programs join PCN's three original publican Committee Chairman Alan Novack are medium security, four are minimum se SCI-Pittsburgh; all six were later recaptured. weekly series, "PCN Tours," "PA Books," and and State Democrat Committee Executive curity, four are close security, and two house Three weeks later, the Senate judiciary "PCN Profiles," as regularly scheduled pub Director Kerry Kirkland, a~ well as the orga maximum security inmates. Prisoners in Committee held a five hour public hearing in lic affairs offerings on the statewide cable tele nization's first official gathering (in January) medium security facilities may be housed in side the facility on the escape, and in March, vision network. with Senator Vincent Fumo. Governor Tom multiple occupancy cells; close security insti Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Modeled after the National Press Club in Ridge and Philadelphia Mayor Edward tutions have single and double occupancy Commissioner Martin F. Horn gave a tour of Washington, DC, the Pennsylvania Press Club Rendell have also addressed the club. units. Maximum security prisons contain SCI-Pittsburgh to members of the House invites guest speakers to address members of "PAJournaiists ROlmdtable," the second only single cells. judiciary Committee. Both the public hearing the media and then field questions from the montWy addition to PCN's programming State Correctional Institute-Pittsburgh, a and the prison tour aired in their entirety on audience. The montWy luncheons, held at schedule, is a one-hour open discussion be close security prison, dates back to 1882, the Pennsylvania Cable Network. the prestigious Tuesday Club in Harrisburg, tween capital correspondents on issues facing are sponsored by the Pennsylvania Cable & the state. Conducted at PCN facilities in Punxsutawney Telecommunications Association, the Penn Camp Hill, the forum features a rotating cast sylvania Newspaper Publishers' Association, of reporters from radio, television, and print Phil Prediction media; each roundtable is moderated by the Shown on peN Pennsylvania Cable Network. ...FOREIGN LANGUAGE "These additions to our schedule provide n February 2, Punxsutaw PCN viewers with an opportunity to hear di O ney, Pennsylvania, popula air on the network from 12:00 midnight to rectly from prominent Pennsylvanians on is tion 6,700, once again held the 1:00 a.m., followed by features in English sues of the day, as well as from the people attention of the state and the na from 1:00 am. to 2:00 a.m., news and in who cover them," said PCN Vice President tion as the town's most popular formation in German from 2:00 a.m. to Brian Lockman. "For some Pennsylvanians, prognosticator, Punxsutawney 3:00 am., English-language news and in the programs may assist in placing the activ Phil, greeted the rising sun and formation from 3:00 am. to 5:00 a.m., and ities of the General Assembly in context." made his annual forecast. Gobbler's Knob, named for the feast which followed a week-long hunl for wood continual programming in German start Pennsylvania Press Club meetings are For the third consecutive chucks prior to the eighteenth century discovery of their predictive powers. ing at 5:00 am. When daylight saving time held on the fourth Monday of the month and year, PCN provided extensive same-day cov The notion of Candlemas Day (Febru is not in effect during fall and winter, generally air that same evening. "PA erage of the event at Gobbler's Knob in ary 2) was brought to America by German PCN's live carriage of the international Journalists Roundtable" airs at 7:00 p.m. on Sportsman's Park, where local residents, re immigrants who settled in the land. feed does not include the Spanish pro the last Sunday of the month. gional college students, state weather services, Prior to PCN's coverage of the Ground grams. and national celebrities have gathered for the hog Day festivities, an early spring had been A complete montWy guide of climatological celebration. Phil's prediction~ forecast only ten times in 108 years. Since the "Deutsche Welle" programming is avail a shadow portends six more weeks of winter network began televising the gathering in able without charge by writing the inter fjPCNX~~~~~ while the lack of a shadow Signifies an early 1995, Phil has called for an early spring twice national service in care of PO. Box 803, spring-is now made part of the US Congres in three years-including this year, when ap Corvallis, OR 97339. www.pcntv.com sional Record and the Pennsylvania House of proximately 20,000 people gathered in Representatives minutes. Punxsutawney for the proceedings. ! III r· ;1 Ii;' ~ i I ,; I ': 1 CN~ d!1l1i ill! ()' : FILED I 7] ! ~ I )( J(II I 1d \ ){i-hOI! Pennsylvania Cable Network June 19, 1997 Mr. William H. Johnson RECEIVED Federal Communications Commission Cable Services Bureau JUN 25 1997 2033 M Street NW fEDEJW. COIMNrATIONS COMMISSIOH Washington, DC 20554 0FFlCE OF 1lfE SECREWIv Dear Mr. Johnson: Thank you very much for your time yesterday. I appreciate the opportunity to tell the story ofthe Pennsylvania Cable Network and our public affairs mission. While much attention in the closed captioning issue is focused on the large satellite delivered networks or the small local origination channels, it is important that you remember PCN, which is not part ofeither group. We are a non-profit network with a public service mission doing a very large volume ofprogramming on a very small budget. As I pointed out at our meeting, the network's $1.5 million annual budget works out to only about $170 per hour ofair time. While I anticipate growth over the next several years, with a total potential subscriber base in Pennsylvania of3.2 million homes, PCN will always be, in financial terms, fairly marginal. Under such circumstances even the low-end captioning rate of$300 or $400 per hour will continue to be simply unaffordable for non-profit, regional public affairs networks such as ours. Since it is clearly in no one's interest to make networks like PCN financially inviable, I trust that your rules, when adopted, will reflect that belief. Sincerely,, Brian Lockman Vice President and ChiefOperating Officer It)] eLlllowfield ROdd i '\ fjPCN~ C,illlP Hill, Pi\ 1 7() 1 I j!ll! ii l717j730-(iOO(J ;(i - h I)()(! Pennsylvania Cable Network fax 730-(i()05 ;i I .. I>()(). Pennsylvania Cable Network pcntv The PENNSYLVANIA CABLE NEfWORK is... •A statewide version of C-SPAN, with unedited live and same-day coverage of Pennsylvania House and Senate floor proceedings. PCN also televises committee hearings, press conferences, speeches, and other public forums and events where the business of the state is debated, discussed, and decided. • Concerned with economic, cultural, and historical aspects of the Commonwealth. PeN airs important business forums and meetings, along with covering state events such as the Pennsylvania State Farm Show. PCN also tours museums and manufacturing facilities in the Commonwealth, and conducts weekly one-on-one interviews with prominent Pennsylvanians. • Utilizing the power ofcable television to promote social and economic progress in Pennsylvania. PeN distributes literacy training programs and college telecourses from state institutions of higher learning. These programs air throughout the week. • Pennsylvania's only statewide cable network, connecting small towns with urban areas, and Pennsylvania city with Pennsylvania city. PCN's signal is delivered by satellite to all areas of the Commonwealth. • Owned by Pennsylvania cable television operators. Created in 1979, PCN was the first educational cable television network in the nation. PCN is funded by a monthly fee paid by participating cable companies to cover network capital and operating costs, and receives no government or foundation funding. •A true public service. Pennsylvania cable operators created PCN as a nonprofit nonpartisan network for education and community service because it was the right thing to do. No state or federal regulations required it. • Valuable to citizens, educators, community leaders, and state government officials. PeN promotes basic and higher education, and provides Pennsylvanians with a better understanding of the operation of their state government. For additional information: Yolanda G. Barco, President and CEO, Corporate Offices, Meadville (814) 337-8841 Brian Lockman, Vice President and COO, Camp Hill (717) 730-6000 ------ W1come to the Pennsylvania Cable Network's first annual Yearbook, a review of some highlights of the network's public affairs programming over the past twelve months presented in the words of PCN viewers. In 1995, we established the Viewer Comment Line, giving Pennsylvanians the opportunity to respond to network programming, and offer views and opinions on the people, issues, and events presented on PCN. Since then, we have been continually impressed by our callers; by their breadth of understanding of the issues, the clarity of their comments, and the depth of their feelings. We have learned that our viewers are watching PCN not only because of an interest in politics, government, and the events in their state, but also because they are touched very directly by the events they see on the network. When the Pennsylvania House and Senate debated workers' compensation, we heard from countless workers who were themselves on disability; when the topic was prison reform, we heard from viewers who had served time in Pennsylvania's prison system, or who had worked as guards in those same prisons. The debate on welfare reform brought calls from welfare recipients, and the debate on hospital maternity stays brought calls from pregnant women or women who had recently given birth. Even a topic as specific as insurance coverage of the hOf.5e training industry registered calls from viewers whose very livelihood depended on the passage of a bill being considered on PCN. While viewers were learning about the state's political process through network coverage, we of PCN were continually being educated-through the personal stories relayed by our callers-that indeed, all politics is local. Included here is a small sample of the issues and events we have covered in the past twelve months, and corresponding calls from PCN viewers. We hope you find it interesting. - Brian Lockman, PCN Vice President and Chief Operating Officer ------_._._----_. Education Reform Early in his administration, Governor Tom Ridge proposed a package of reforms to Pennsylvania's educational system. Among these changes was a controversial "school voucher" plan, which proposed allowing parents to use state-provided stipends toward the non-public school education of their child. peN's coverage included hearings, press con ferences, rallies, town meetings, and heated debates in the Pennsylvania Senate and House. -'m absolutely opposed to school _here's no provisions made for ". yovernor Ridge is not aware of any vouchers, they're nothing more than a horb.e-schoolers. All we would require thirlg other than the teachers and the tax break for the rich. It's Tom Ridge is enough money to buy our educa- union that represents them and how he paying off the religious right for getting tional materials. Huntingdon can tear that down. He has one him elected. Lititz agenda, and that is to destroy a union. Camp Hill :f parents are upset about the _ am not in support of the voucher scnools, they have the ability right now system because of the relih>1OuS schools to do something about it. Evaluate the in this country, it is long overdue being included. This is a way for reli schools in the state that are doing well th~t parents have the right to select the gious schools to get money from the in scores and see what kind of pro- school. This garbage about public public. Stroudsburg grams they have. Lititz schools being open to everyone Whitehall [school] is only open to resi dents of Whitehall. If you want to go 'm totally for Governor Ridge's edu s a 23-year veteran public educa there from another district you cannot. cation package. Choice should be in toi, am concerned that the public Whitehall the hands of the parents. does not know-nor do these legisla Peters Township lors-that there are no certification requirements for teachers in private . feel very disappointed that top offi school. Do parents understand that the cials in our government would talk support school choice. I am very children they are sending to those about helping the children of our sick and tired of greedy unions and the schools may be with people who do Commonwealth out of one side of their poor quality of education we get in not have four-year degrees? mouth and then, out of the other side, Pennsylvania because our tuitions are Mechanicsbu~g discuss ways to pull money out of pub- too low and our standards are too low lic education. Scranton in our state teachers college. Clarks Summit i he public schools get almost $7,000 per child and it doesn't cost anywhere fi.overnor Ridge is talking about not near that to send them to a private haVi~g enough discipline in the public -. hose who wish to pay for their chil school, so the slate would in turn save schools. The public schools aren't per dreh to go to another school district or money. Huntingdon mitted to impose enough discipline. to a private school have always been There are parents, and the ACLU free to do so. Why should the taxpay won't permit discipline. Harrisburg ers pay extra and take away from the hy not give the public schools the school districts we already have? same opportunity that the private Reinholds schools have to challenge and not .. he education reform town meeting accept students who do not fit the in tariisle...we're watching it, we're tak mold? Then, perhaps, vouchers would ing notes, and we're going to write to _'m definitely not in favor of funding work. Palmerton our representatives and take the appro- private schools with taxpayer money. priate action. Dauphin County Berwick 1996 Sabbatical Leaves The practice of allowing teachers in the state the opportunity for a year-long paid leave from the classroom was debated in the Pennsylvania's House of Representatives, which considered eliminating sabbatical leaves or authorizing local school boards to approve (or deny) a requested leave. The spirited floor proceedings were met with equally vociferous phone comments from peN viewers, including per spectives from educators, parents, school board offi- cials, and administrative staff. Tn my own district, teachers take a Public education teachers, myself sa5batical and they're on the golf don't understand why the school I inJtuded, work every period every course for the whole year. It's abused, board should have the right to decide if day-and at night. We don't have time it's too expensive for the taxpayers, and a person should be allowed take a sab to keep our heads above water, let I think Governor Ridge is headed in batical leave and for what purpose. I alone do professional development the right direction trying to get real and live in a rural area, and I took a sabbat reading. The school boards in this state lean like the rest of the world. These ical leave last year to be an exchange have failed to recognize that profes sabbaticals have got to go. Dalton teacher inJapan. I benefited greatly, sional development and preparation are but I am sure my little rural area would part of a teachers responsibility, and not have approved this sabbatical leave. that's why it should be denied to them T am a teacher, I've been on a sab You have to realize what kind of people to have control over sabbaticals. you have on school boards throughout batcal, and the educational travel is Palmerton extremely important. It should not be this entire country-and certainly in the taken out of the law. Those teachers rural areas. Greene County who abuse it, they should be called on the carpet. Other teachers who have It's a typical example of teachers, wnen they take these sabbaticals and used it...their classes have experienced If you can let it go within the school negotiate their contracts, they're always wonderful lectures and lessons from a board (the decision-making on sabbati putting themselves first before the chil teacher who travels. Town withheld cal leaves), you'll have nothing but a dren. It's about time they start thinking political mess in which decisions are about the kids before themselves. made for political favor as opposed to Humlocks Teachers getting' sabbatical leaves is the betterment of education. Je!Jj;rson one thing that nobody else gets. They oughta have it the same as everybody sit on a school board. In the past else. You can't go out in business and ~abbaticals are costing the school I three months, six people put in for sab the rest of the world and have this situ- dis~icts a lot of money that could be batical leaves costing our school district ation. Harrisburg better spent. [Teachers] can go to night over $l!iO,OOO-that's not counting the school, they can get tapes to view at money for long term subs that we're their house, they have all summer to go going to have to pay. Our people get Tt's time that the sabbatical leave is to school. Sharon Hill reimbursed for going to college to get put back into the hands of the local extra credits and [then they] come back school boards. We're in an economi and demand more salary. I think it's cally depressed area and we're finding L\. s far as sabbaticals for education, ridiculous. Mather that sabbatical leaves are very expen te£1ers have seminars that go on sive, hard to keep up with, and really throughout the year, they have educa putting us to a severe financial test. tional leaves, they get tuition reimburse Putting the sabbatical leaves back in the ment, they are not limited to opportuni hands of the local school boards could ties for education. It's just incredible be the best way that we could save that there's any question about it. money and still contTOI our school dis- Delaware County tricts. Greene County 1996 'Jhere are school boards in this state I'm getting sick and tired of how [leg Tt's totally ridiculous that teachers get tha are running multi-million dollar islators) protect the teachers and how satbatical leaves. They should run that businesses and the majority of mem education goes completely down the just like a regular corporation would bers on some of those school boards tubes and they don't want to do any run. I don't think you should leave it to barely have a high school education. thing about it. Milford the local government either because When are they going to [address] that they'd probably cave into pressure. instead of trying to screw teachers? [Sabbatical leaves) should be totally Stroudsbu~g In our school district sabbaticals are eliminated. Coudersport greatly abused. We had a business edu cation teacher travel to florida and eachers should not be able to take work as a bartender for a sabbatical, On post secondary or higher educa saoI aticals, and teachers should not and I fail to see how that benefits stu tion teaching personnel, I am in favor have tenure. I do not feel that anybody dents. We had a home economics of maintaining sabbaticals. However, I should be i,'Uaranteed a job for life, and teacher and a mathematics teacher would like the public school sabbatical once a teacher does get tenure it is travel on cruises and whale watching system reviewed. I think there's more very hard to get rid of them. tours during their sabbatical time, and I abuse in that than in the secondary Allentown fail to see how that benefits students level of higher education. either. Huntingdon Mechanicsburg Maternity Stays State agency hearings on maternity stays followed stories of local insurance companies who had estab lished a policy of allowing only one day of hospital care for mother and newborn following a normal, and uncomplicated, delivery. Signed into law on July 2 by Governor Ridge, the Health Security Act mandated insurance coverage for a minimum of 48 hours following a normal vaginal birth, and 96 hours for cesarian birth. he hospital got a letter from my Being a mother of four children f'm pregnant right now. My sister wi'Je's insurance company stating that myself (when I was allowed to stay in ha~ a baby last year. She had not even she had to be out (following a vaginal the hospital five days years ago), I twenty-four hours in the hospital and birth) in twenty-four hours, no more. know that anybody in the hospital couldn't tend to the baby and felt like The nurses didn't have time to show today getting sent out in twenty-four she didn't bond. I think it's very impor her anything that had to be done. hours is definitely not enough. tant that we do have the forty-eight Wilkes Barre Hazleton hours. Bensalem I had my baby at two o'clock on ~ll the insurance companies are THursday, and on Friday someone do1ng is scaring the hell out of every came in and said, "You have to leave body, kicking them out of the hospital today, your insurance won't cover it." I before they're ready. Town withheld think that's terrible, and I don't think insurance should mandate that. Town withheld 1996 ""-'""".... '""'''''IJIIlll~''''''_'''' ...M .... _ PA State Farm Show Between January 7 and January 12, PCN offered state residents unprecedented live coverage of the Pennsylvania State Farm Show. More than 61 hours of programming was telecast, including draft horse competitions, horse pulling contests, poultry and livestock judging, and two high school rodeos. Even when the "Blizzard of '96" closed all roads leading to the agricultural showcase, PCN continued its cov erage of events and activities at the Farm Show Complex. vVe're in the middle of a blizzard here and it's really nice to be able to \ATe sure did your appreciate. televis As an exhibitor of cows at the Farm watch the Farm Show because we're ingfue Farm Show. We are a house full Show, this is a nice way to get to see not going to be able to make it this of senior citizens-retired farmers-and everything, because I didn't get to see year. It's not the same as being there we are enjoying the cable. Thank you everything all week. You're doing a but at least we do get to see what's very much. Hummelstown great job, and your coverage of the going on-even though we don't get to dairy derby was really nice. eat and get chocolate milkshakes and Harrisburg things like that. Lehzghton I appreciate you showing the Farm Show events. Since the weather is so bad, we haven't been able to get there Thanks for carrying the I am watching the Pennsylvania yet. My children have enjoyed seeing Pennsylvania Farm Show. For us die Farm Show on a snowy day and I just the animals and watching the events on hard county fair and farm show fans want to say that I enjoy it immensely. TV. I know it's not the same as being who are having withdrawal at this time They're doing a beautiful job. It's very there, but at least it ,gives them an idea of year, it's a great thrill to have the educational, and I enjoy watching the of what the Farm Show is all about. biggest and best being televised. Perfect horses and the rodeo. Clarks Summit Middletown family entertainment-educational and fun-and a great tribute to the hard working farm families in Pennsylvania. Twas considering having my cable negarding the Farm Show, it was Munhill taten out until I ran into the PCN rellly heartwarming to see some folks channel. I want to thank you for the from the Oil City/ and the Guvs~ Mills wonderful Farm Show programming area, just around the corner from here. VVe were down at the Farm Show which has been very enjoyable, enter It's good to see our local folks on TV. yesterday and this morning. We had to taining, and educational. It's amazing to Cochranton leave because of the bad weather, and see the young people and how hard we just want to thank you very much they work to participate in all the com for putting it on so that we could see petitions. Not enough is said about the Thank you for putting the Farm some of the things that we had missed. young people who do achieve and Show on, we've watched it every night. We really enjoyed the show. excel. The Farm Show has been won We really thank you for showing us the White Oak derful, and I can't wait for the next draft horses and the high school rodeo, broadcast. Uniontown and we really need to thank those peo ple for braving the weather and taking I'm enjoying your coverage of the those wonderful horses to Harrisburg. Farm Show since my allergies prevent It's really great that you're [showing] Bethel Park me from going in person. the Farm Show for those people that Town withheld are shut-ins and those across the state of Pennsylvania that can't get to the Farm Show. A wonderful idea. Harrisburg 1996 I'm in the snow here in Fishing Thank you so much for broadcasting vVe're watching the Pennsylvania Creek Valley, and I just love that organ the Farm Show. Horses are my favorite, Farm Show goat tying and I completely music. The variety and the sound is they are so beautiful. I wish them all a am opposed to anything like that. We just right in the arena. It's just beautiful. safe trip home after the blizzard. had goats, they sure as hell don't need I want you to tell that piano player that Mechanicsburg to be thrown on their sides. They're he is just delightful and I'm so glad not like cattle. Williamsport they made it in the snow. Harrisburg 'The Governor closed the roads and there are still people at the Farm Show. Thank you for the excellent cover I really appreciate the Farm Show I'm not sure whether the Governor age of the Pennsylvania Farm Show this bemg on the cable. With the weather should extend the Farm Show, but year. I have loved coming year after and all, I couldn't get there this year you've got a full crowd and we're year. Obviously, because of the (and my work schedule didn't permit it) under snow emergency. I don't quite weather, I was not able to make it. You so I'm taping it, and then I can watch it understand this. Town withheld have brought the Farm Show home to when I get home. Reading me and I am deeply grateful for it. Bethlehem ThiS Farm Show coverage has been Abig thanks for putting the Farm so wonderful. No money that could Snow on this week. I'm disabled that buy that kind of enjoyment for me. We're now watching the horse team there's no way I could walk around to Thanks so much. Harrisbu(f{ obstacle course-been watching it most see it. Great job. State College of the day. Appreciate it very much. Just had to call and tell you how much I'm certainly enjoying the horse we appreciate it. Mechanicsburg I was going to take my son to the show. My husband is 85, I'm 78, and Farm Show today, but I don't agree we certainly couldn't go over in this with them tying up the calves and the foul weather. It's great. Town withheld Thank you for your presentation of goats. I don't think that's fair to the ani- the heavy horse classes. One sees mals. Town withheld eventing and racing on television, but you never get to see the heavy horse classes. We appreciate it, and we are Great today that you're able to faithful viewers. Bethel Park broadcast the Farm Show. I live in Carbon County and I was unable to get out today to attend the horse show The Farm Show is really really good. due to the blizzard conditions that Alfthe horses deserve blue ribbons. we're having. Thank you. Jim Thorpe But could you have someone comment on how these things are judged? We city people don't know anything about Your coverage of Farm Show horse this jud/:,>ing, and we would like to have events.. .it's the greatest thing. If only I some more information. Scranton would have known sooner. Because of the weather I can't get there--so thanks a lot. Allentown Thank you for carrying the Farm Show the way you are doing it-just the way it's happening, without someone Ijust want to say this is the only way having to do a lot of talking. Keep up I could have possible been to the Farm the good work. State College Show in this Blizzard of '96. I really appreciated seeing the rodeo last night and the hitched draft horses tonight. VVe are very much impressed with Morrisville the Qadies perch] program that's going on, but we don't understand it. We'd like to have some commentary. We are grateful for this, but it's just horses and pretty women. New Cumberland 1996 .. ."',,,,'_..'.,,------ ~~y sincere thanks for the fine way Tenjoyed the Farm Show very much he pony pulling contest from the in "\U~ich you presented the major untl the horse pulling. That practice is StaIe Farm Show is such a cruel event. events at this year's State Farm Show. a bit barbaric. I thought it was okay The horses are being made to strain We called several friends who we knew until I had met with a girl who was a and practically break their leg and would enjoy the program, and let them farmer, and her father was involved in chest for no reason other but for know it was on. Summit Hill it, and she said the horses aren't treated humans to sit around and be enter very well. I also found it very sad that tained. I'm just horrified... and ashamed animals "vin first prize and then end up to live in a state that treats animals like 'Ve were just watching the horse going to the slaughterhouse. Farm ani this. Altoona puh-we've never seen it before. For us mals should be treated with more city folk here in Philadelphia, it would respect-especially the beautiful horses. be interesting to get a little more com Conygham The pony pull...it's ridiculous to see mentary about what's going on, what them pulling that weight. Let them peo the criteria are for the horses. ple who own them horses start pulling Philadelphia programming like this is really a them. It's cruelty to animals as far as wnolesome thing for a family today. I'm concerned. Dixon City With the things that you see on TV, it's Ijust finished watching the 3,200 a pleasure to see something like this [lb.] horse pulling contest. First place pony pulling contest. Thank you. Thank you so much for showing the was all of $355. That's terrible. As Allentown drJrt horse competition from the Farm much work goes into this, and the first Show. You're talking to an old old com place money is $355? There should be petitor for the horse show in some adjustment made on that. The 'm watching the pony pulling con Pennsylvania. I'm so glad to see it back horse pulling was interesting, it was tesIfrom the Farm Show out in on TV, it's been missed for many years. very much Pennsylvania, these are Harrisburg and it's barbaric what they Town withheld hard-working people, and the money are doing to the horses. How would should be greater. Town withheld you like to go out there and pull 6,000 pounds? These people ought to be We attend the Farm Show every shot. Scottdale year, but since we are busy with events vVe are very pleased with the same ourselves, we don't get to see many of day coverage of the pony pull. My the other things at the Farm Show. We brother is pulling ponies in the mid We've enjoyed watching the festivi really enjoy watching the recaps and dleweight [division] and we live on a ties at the Farm Show all weekend long. the events on cable. Grindstone farm, so we're unable to be there. This We saw chickens and heavyweight way we can be there through TV. horse pulling and the pony pulling and Westmoreland County certainly enjoyed it all. Kutztown Due to our work schedules, my hus band and I weren't able to go to the Farm Show this year, but thanks to peN we've been able to watch most of our favorite events. We appreciate the coverage. Altoona I'm sitting here watching the Farm Show fashions, and I'm having a ball. Harrisburg 1996 Militia in Pennsylvania Following the Oklahoma City bombing by members connected with a militia organization, the Pennsylvania Senate Judiciary Committee held a day-long hearing on militia groups operating in the Commonwealth. Militia members from Potter and McKean counties testified before legislators and explained their goals and beliefs. I can't believe how these Senators ~Kilitia in Pennsylvania are quoting 'The government writes the laws and baGger these patriots. If you're a logical alllI~ese constitutional rights that took they're above the laws. Why can they person and you've read all the things place back in the day when we had get away with writing bad checks and that the ATF and the FBI have been troops from other countries invading breaking the law and nothing gets done dOing-they're running amuck. They've our land. I think things have changed to 'em, when a regular citizen writing a been acting like thugs. I'm not a radical drastically in the last 200 years. When bad check would get thrown in jail? person, but you can just see who's right they talk about federal agencies break Bethlehem and who's wrong here. Berks County ing down doors; it's once in a million that these mistakes happen. [Militia] are the nuts we've got to worry about. people asked me to join militias and ast week in court my township con These are the guys that blow up federal I nad not wanted to join. Well, I vicLed me of sitting in a chair on my buildings. Town withheld [recently] realized that we're being own property. They said that sitting taxed to death in this country. In my constitutes occupying. That's why we father's day, he bought and sold three have militias-because this stuff is Taking guns away from civilians that different homes. I make more in hvo allowed to go on. These people have have no criminal background is not weeks than he ever made in an entire pushed me and pushed me and used going to help with stopping the crime month, however, I never bought one the law to do it with. Saylorsbu~g rate... criminals will always have home. Mechanicsburg weapons. The Constitution gives you the right to protect yourself and your It's okay if the militia is helping the family and your property from physical \Ve need militia because of when fire department or the local police, harm. Centre County the government kills women and chil but-in forming their own opinions and dren, like what happened at Waco and acting upon them-they could be very what happened at that farm. Rights and dangerous to the local and national Tthank God for the militias. They're privileges of the people are being public. We need to keep an eye on no~ doing anything wnmg. They're denied. We are overtaxed, overworked, such groups. Harrisburg there to protect us from what our fed and hardly can support our families eral government is trying to do to us, because the government wants more and I wish our Senators would listen from us. ~ s a 56-veal' old woman who isn't and listen good. Nescopeck Town withheld aftfI}ated with any [militia group], I think the legislators are laughing at these people. I don't like it. I think hiS [militia] guy oughta be hung. Tt is a shame that the militia people, these people have a point. I do believe J at he needs is a couple of sheets after taking so much effort to carefully the public has the right to keep and and a hood over his head because this explain legitimate concerns, were only bear arms, and they have the right to man is a communist. Town withheld mocked by legislators. Pittsburgh be safe in their homes. And if anyone breaks in, they have the right to shoot them. McMurray 1996 Parole Reform Chaired by Senator Stewart Greenleaf (R - Mont gomery), the Senate Judiciary Committee held a series of hearings on the parole of Pennsylvania inmate Robert "Mudman" Simon, who was later charged with killing a police officer in New Jersey. At one hearing, four prisoners testified before the committee and spoke of employee corruption at State Correctional Institute-Graterford, where Simon was incarcerated. Shortly after the hearing, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections raided the Graterford facility-the largest shakedown of a ~s a former employee of the prison in US History. D~partment of Corrections, I agree with the inmate who is speaking this evening. There is a lot of intimidation I'm watchingJonathan Brown, 1\ese Senators on the panel need to done by the security officer in the inmate PA state prison system, and wa~e up and they need to listen. I prison system. There is devious mis you'd better listen to him. I know some think it's going to be what you call "lip treatment of the inmates, a lot of things of the people that work in these prisons service." Sure, they're on a panel, that need to be corrected. This inmate and I want to tell you what: the boy's they're on TV, everybody'S watching it; is speaking the truth-I have seen it first not lying. I'm out of the system; I got I don't really think anything is going to hand. Meadville out to keep my integrity. Where I be done. I don't think it's going to get worked at a state hospital, there was a any better. Town withheld forensic unit and trust me-it's crooked. VVe have the wrong people behind You'd better listen to this boy, and bars. It's intolerable that officers, that I you'd better protect his life. I'm really glad you are showing pay money for, are bUying and selling McKees Rocks those hearings on Pennsylvania prisons. drugs and controlling the situation It's really important that people know when there's absolutely no authority. I that these kinds of corruptions and bru- fully intend on contacting my senator I spent years at Graterford and the tality happen. Lewisburg and representatives. Clarks Summit guards are crooked and they do beat inmates. Scranton Everything that is being said by I'm a corrections officer at State these inmates I have dealt with when I Correctional Institute-Albion. The I worked in a prison for 25 years and was in State Correctional things going on in the Department of I saw many inmates like Jonathan Institute-Retreat. I dealt with [guards] Corrections should be brought to some Brown also trying to convict me on taking items out of my cell; taking body's attention. I have been told by charges...they're a bunch of damn liars. monies that was sent to me as an people that come from Camp Hill and The guards probably wrote 'em up for inmate. Williamsport Graterford they do beat the hell out of disciplinary action and this is how they inmates at Camp Hill on a frequent retaliate against the officers. Reading basis and take pride in it. Meadville ~ly husband worked there [State Correctional Institute-Graterford] and I don't know what kind of deal pris he came home and told me every night As far as the prisoners rights are onerJonathan Brown has made with that there was stuff going. I can't concerned, I see where they have some the people he's talking to, but I really believe how naive the Senators are. rights, but some of the stuff that they suggest that he needs protection or There are more drugs in the Graterford are coming up with is totally crazy. parole because the information he's prison than on the streets of Guards have rights also. Washington given us is vital and I don't think he'll Philadelphia. Berwick live to see tomorrow. Town withheld 1996 \Vhy would these t,JUys have the I worked as a prison guard in I'm recently retired from the same allegations and the same story? Florida. Everything this inmate is saying Department of Corrections after 32 They've been separated in different to this committee is basically the same years in the system. Senators O'Pake prisons-why would they lie? I was an thing that goes on down in Florida. It's and Greenleaf-I don't know if these inmate at Camp Hill prison. I believe very believable and it's very truthful. h'UYs are as naive as they're pretending these brothers. I heard that Graterford Altoona to be-but I heard for years how cor is a corrupt place. Harrisburg rupt the system was in Pennsylvania. Why all the attention now? These black men that you've inter Town withheld I know people who work in viewed seem very honest. \Vhy is it that Graterford and these inmates that are all those white men sitting up there act talking don't have the right story. like they can't believe 'em. Please wake I did love, and still do, a lifer from Tobyhanna up and stop looking at the color, and Plilladelphia. When you televise shows realize that just like black men, white pertaining to the prisoners, you have all men make mistakes and are dirty and of the relatives, friends, associates, I'm a retired correctional officer and guilty too. Town withheld Christian brothers and sisters, and per a retired police officer in Philadelphia. haps even preachers as viewers. Thank This one inmate,]onathan, is a known you so much. liar. I just can't believe that the Senate 'Ify husband is an inmate in prison Mount Pleasant is allowing this bogus testimony to go anYte is being tortured. I know what on. Philadelphia these guys are talking about on TV. Harrisburg Iworked in a prison myself, and I can't understand that these Senators don't have exact understanding and knowledge of what's going on. They're not streetwise at all, or else they're get ting kickbacks fi'om what's going on at the prison. Dunmore I don't think these Senators are get ting the message. I wish they would do something to try to protect these peo ple. This has been going on for a long time, and these people sitting in these offices can't tell me that they don't know this is going on. Reading I have a brother that is presently incarcerated in Graterford and I need to know how to get him out of that madness. Harrisburg I'm a correctional officer at a county pnson. It's sad to say, but what the inmates are saying are true. It's not also in state, it's in county, it's in every prison system, and it starts vvith admin- istration. Town withheld 1996 .....•....._ _._ _------,.. Factory and Museum Tours A popular feature, PCN Tours showcase museums and manufacturing facilities in the Commonwealth. In the past year, network viewers have travelled inside the Eisenhower Farm in Gettysburg, the York County Fire Museum, the Pennsylvania Railroad Museum, and the US Brig Niagara. Factory tours on PCN have included Martin Guitars, Chaddsford Winery, Zippo Lighters, Just Born Candies, Channellock Tools, Walnut Acres Organic Farms, and the Straub Brewery, among others. I am a special education teacher in Lancaster County. The spotlights on You aired a show on anthracite coal; I tuned into the progrcun on The business that you show on PCN are of my son and I watched. I always fell Martin Guitar Company. My son is a great interest to me. My students learn down being from Scranton; we were musician in New Mexico who plays a best by hands-on experiences. The sec called "Coal Crackers." This got me Martin. He would be fascinated to see ond best way is by watching people do mad at times, because we are pretty the elaborate steps which go into the interesting things and by watching how cool. After seeing the show, I felt a little production of these fine h'Uitars. things work. Lancaster County proud. I did not know we are the only 'l'own withheld anthracite region. r will be sure to act proud of our history from now on. T.ast night my "vife and I watched Plains VVonderful and fascinating program thJivrartin Guitar factory tour and about the Straub Brewery. It would be thoroughly enjoyed it. The Harley very interesting to see more profiles of Davidson tour was likewise fascinating. breweries in Pennsylvania, especially It is great to see Pennsylvania busi since the brev.'ing renaissance is grow nesses highlighted as it inspires a bit of ing at a rapid rate with all the micro Commonwealth patriotism. breweries. Mechanicsburg Hummelstown PCN's Thanksgiving night show on I am watching the Straub Brewery the Middletown & Hummelstown short tour and it is fascinating. I never knew line railroad was excellent. This was the all of this went into making beer, and I first in-depth presentation I'd ever seen am finding it very interesting. on the day-to-day operation of short Birdsboro line, and it was fascinating. University Park VVe're watching PCN from Hershey Medical Center and just enjoyed the I saw some really interesting shows Seltzers' Lebanon Bologna tour. It was about the manufacturing of various really interesting, and made us under industries. The one that you had on stand why we have to pay the price [we The video of the Coolspring Power Harley-Davidson; I toured the factory do] for Lebanon Bologna. Hershey Museum in Jefferson County, last summer and r thought it was just as Pennsylvania, is excellent programming. well to watch your show. State College I'd like to see more, my family would I'm watching your PCN tour ofJust like to see more. There is support our Born Candy. It's Good Friday, and it's there for this kind of television, so keep fabulous-especially to watch candy up the good work. Camp Hill being made at Easter time. Reading 1996 Workers' Compensation In 1996, the Pennsylvania Legislature addressed the high cost of workers' compensation in the Common wealth with a new law designed to legitimize claims and eligibility, offer alternative dispute resolution, and speed up the return of recovered workers to the workplace. Debate on the bill and hearings with insurance companies, employers, and employees in the state sparked numerous calls to the Pennsylvania Cable Network; most of which came from state residents who had been injured while on the job. I've been an employer for the past fifteen years. In the early nineties I had one employee go out on workers' com It is absolutely horrendous that these The doctors don't care what your pensation-it's the only employee that potiticians who have never been on injuries are, they try to force you back ever went out. Mv rates bv the insur- / / compensation and have no idea what to work. I [was] forced back to work in ance company went up five percent. I it's like to try and take everything from 1994 after I had major back surgery was told that if I could help get him off the poor working man. You get two and I couldn't last even 45 minutes on workers' comp, I could get a reduction thirds of your pay, no vacation, no my job. Palmyra in my rates. Why am I being penalized chance of advancement, and no hospi for one worker in fifteen years? talization whatsoever when you're on Hershey workman's compensation-and yet they urhy are. they trying to push this so want to take that away from a guy quiU< "vithout having any public who's worked all his life. response? I have been on workers' Everyone seems so concerned about Town Withheld comp for the last four years and all I the employer and business rights. What have been doing is just fighting, fight about the worker? They are going to ing, and fighting just to get my injuries [make] it so that the actual injured I am just calling to express my out taken care of. Penn Hills party is the one who suffers. rage about the legislation on the work Town Withheld ers' compensation. [As] a person on workers' compensation, I have to pay I think people who are injured at people to take care of my yard, shovel work are getting the dirty end of the The legislation on workers' compen my sidewalk, food shop, and everything deal. The law has got to change sation reform is overly needed. There is else. Nanticoke because the insurance companies are so much abuse. Much of these people just doing whatever they please. I have on so-called disability are just milking been disabled for the rest of my life. I the system and robbing the taxpayers, Hard working taxpayers who also developed mental depression and robbing the companies and causing a become victims of injury should not be had to have shock treatment. It was a lot of economic problems throughout reduced to a subclass that is treated in horrible six years, and the insurance the state. "The people that are injured a slave-like manner by the rest of the company wants to offer me pennies. have nothing to worry about. The Commonwealth. VYe need fair and fun Steelton abusers will be taken care of. damental change on workman's com Luzerne County pensation that protects the rights of business and the rights of workers and As a recipient of workman's com this bill is not it. Harrisbu~g pehsation, I would like to go on record The workers' compensation system is saying that I have outstanding medical totally out of control. The reform that bills in excess of three years that have the present administration wants is not ThiS bill is trying to cut workers' never been paid. With workman's the reform that's needed. We need to compensation by sacrificing injured comp [they] are supposed to be paid. get back to basic, essential benefits. employees rights. It will also complicate What provisions [address\ employers do East Freedom court cases. Delaware County not play fairly? Lake Ariel 1996