Despite deregulation, cable rates are going up in Wisconsin and Port Orchard, Washington is struggling with budget issues and looks to the web as a possible solution.

Cable TV rates up despite deregulation, audit says

As a result of a statewide audit report released Tuesday, legislators are introducing a bill they hope will regulate the cable television industry and lower increasing monthly rates.

Since deregulation of the industry in 2007, basic cable rates have increased more than 20 percent in communities with competition, according to the 18-page Legislative Audit Bureau report. [ link ]

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City of Port Orchard Likely to Cut Ties With BKAT

The City of Port Orchard is considering severing its ties with BKAT, the public access television station that broadcasts city council meetings. Mayor Lary Coppola is floating a proposal to broadcast meetings on the city’s Web site instead.

The move would save the city nearly $8,000 per year and make watching the meetings easier for city residents, a large number of whom have Internet access, said Coppola at a work study meeting with the council Wednesday. [ link ]