§ 26-19. Cablecasting on city and public channels.

For the presentation of programming on public channels, a grantee shall make available free time and, if necessary, adequate studio facilities to members of the public at rates filed with the governing body and subject to the governing body's review in accordance with the provisions of section 26-10. Appropriate technical assistance shall also be furnished by a grantee. Time shall be provided on a first-come, first-served basis, except that a grantee shall endeavor to grant such channel time to as many different persons as is practical, it being the intention of the governing body that such public channels serve as a significant source of diversified expression. In order that there is a maximum opportunity for freedom of expression by members of the public, such programming shall be free from any control by a grantee as to program content, except as is required to protect a grantee from liability under applicable law. The governing body may direct that a grantee discontinue, or not deliver, a program on the public channels which it finds to be essentially promotional or otherwise related primarily to the conduct of a business, trade or profession; provided, however, this provision shall not be construed as a prohibition of advertiser-supported programming on public channels.

(Code 1976, § 8-20)