Kathleen Rice
10/26/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/26/2021 14:51
Rice Leads Call on Major Cable Providers to Expand Access to Jewish Programming
WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Representative Kathleen Rice led a group of Members of Congress to call on seven major cable providers to expand the availability of Jewish television programming across the country. The seven letters were individually addressed to the CEOs of Altice USA, AT&T, Charter Communications, Comcast, Cox Communications, Dish Network, and Verizon Communications. U.S. Representatives Brad Sherman (CA-30), Grace Meng (NY-06), Ted Deutch (FL-22), and Ted Lieu (CA-33) joined Rice as co-signers.
For reference, the text of the letter addressed to Altice USA can be found below. Links to each individual letter can be found here:
· Letter to Charter Communications
· Letter to Cox Communications
· Letter to Verizon Communications
Mr. Dexter Goei, CEO
Altice USA
One Court Square West
Long Island City, New York 11101
Dear Mr. Goei:
As Members of Congress who represent Jewish communities across the country, we have seen the impact of making programming specifically tailored to these communities widely available. Culturally specific programming fosters community and, for those outside of the community, exposure to Jewish programming can be an important and effective antidote to the scourge of hate and bigotry against Jewish people.
Altice is a communications company with a powerful platform, and we believe you are uniquely positioned to play a central role in elevating Jewish programing. To that end, we would like to further understand the steps your company is taking to increase Jewish programming on television. Specifically, we are requesting that you answer the following questions regarding your commitment to carrying Jewish content:
1. What Jewish themed English language content do you provide on your expanded basic tier?
2. What obstacles do you face in providing additional Jewish themed English language content?
3. In the last 24 months, have you entered agreements to carry and/or expand Jewish themed English language content?
4. What plans do you have to increase Jewish themed English language content?
We would appreciate your thoughtful response to these questions by November 9, 2021.
Sincerely,