Approve Cable Advisory and Staff Recommendation to Add Hallmark to Basic Cable:

Hallmark Channel:  In the Preston-Osborne Survey conducted in February, Hallmark Channel ranked third of channels our customers most wanted added to basic cable.  That information, along with a presentation by Hallmark Channel at the April Cable Advisory Committee Meeting, a review of programming content and customer feedback, has led the Cable Advisory Committee and Staff to recommend the addition of Hallmark Channel to basic cable.

This standard National Cable Television Cooperative (NCTC) Agreement has a term through December 31, 2009.  The license fees are contained in the detail section.  Staff has funds available to pay for the Hallmark Channel without an additional rate increase other than what has already been approved by the Board.  These funds remain from a lower than anticipated license fee increase in Fox News earlier this fiscal year. 

The Agreement has been reviewed by the Staff Attorney and is acceptable.