March 23, 1994

                        FCC TO HOLD CABLE SEMINAR  
         IN SAN FRANCISCO FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
                      AND CONSUMER PROTECTION GROUPS

     On April 12, 13, and 14, 1994, the Federal Communications
Commission will hold a seminar on cable television regulation at
the Clarion Hotel San Francisco Airport, Millbrae, CA.  This is the
fourth in a series of educational seminars held around the country. 
It is the first seminar in the series to be held since the release
of the new cable rate regulations and cost of service rules.

     The seminar is open to all state and local government
officials, congressional staff members, and consumer protection
agencies and other consumer groups.  The goals of these seminars
are to strengthen the FCC's working relationship with state and
local officials in the area of cable regulation; to educate
franchising authorities about the certification process and their
regulatory authority; and to help consumers understand their rights
under the Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act
of 1992.       

     Registration for this seminar includes a check-in registration
on April 12 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm and a get-acquainted reception
with FCC personnel from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  On April 13 there will
be a check-in period and coffee hour beginning at 7:00 am. The
program will begin at 9:00 am and end at 5:30 pm.  The session on
the April 13 will emphasize cable television system rate 
regulation issues including changes to the original benchmark
regulations and the new cost of service  rules.  The session on the
final day will include a check-in period beginning at 7:00 am and
a one-hour breakfast reception beginning at 8:00 am.  The general
session will begin at 9:00 am and end at 5:30 pm.  The April 14
session will cover non-rate regulation issues such as leased
commercial access, the carriage of broadcast signals and cablecast
programs on cable television systems, customer service and
subscriber signal quality standards, cable home wiring, and program
content issues.





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     "These seminars are just one part of our effort to reach out
to state and local  regulatory officials, state attorneys general,
legislative members, congressional staff members, and consumer
protection agencies and organizations," said Acting Cable Services
Bureau Chief Sandy Wilson.  "Implementation of the 1992 Cable Act 
will be an ongoing process.  In order for us to meet our goal of
competitive prices in the cable marketplace, we need the help of
state and local regulators as well as consumers.  We want everyone
who is affected by this new law to understand their rights and
their responsibilities."        

     The FCC will reschedule the seminar originally planned for
Atlanta in the near future.  The date and location will be
announced in the near future.   For more information on the Atlanta
seminar, please contact FCC Representative Rose Bond at (404) 279-
4621 or FAX at (404) 279-4633.

     There is no registration fee for these seminars, but each
participant must submit a registration form and seating is limited. 
In addition, attendees are encouraged to submit questions in
advance of the seminar, either with registration forms for via
internet:  cable@kksf.tbo.com.
    
     To register or for more information on the San Francisco 
seminar, please contact FCC Representative Amy Freundlich at (510)
732-9046 or FAX at (510) 732-6015.
                                   
                           -FCC-  

     News Media Contacts: Maureen Peratino at (202) 632-5050.     
     Cable Services Bureau Contact: Cynthia Ward Jeffries at (202)
416-0902.