Franchise Fees

The Budget Defense Playbook: Why Declining Franchise Fees Demand a Digital Strategy for PEG Stations

TL;DR   Cable franchise fees have declined 20% or more at stations nationwide as cord-cutting accelerates. U.S. cable subscriptions dropped from 96 million to 68 million between 2017 and 2024, and the trend continues. PEG stations must pivot to a data-driven “Budget Defense” strategy. This brief outlines six pressures facing community media and three ways to turn digital infrastructure into … Read More