CT-N has long served as a single cable television channel, with some internet streaming capabilities, covering legislative sessions and hearings, certain Supreme Court proceedings and emergency messages from the governor. It is currently funded by a $3.2 million allocation authorized by the General Assembly. During the recent session of the Legislature, SB 104 would have converted CT-N into the State Civic Network, using the newest digital media technology to cover all legislative hearings and sessions available both on cable and online. The bill, which had the strong support of Chief Justice Chase Rogers, would have had the SCN cover Supreme and Appellate Court proceedings and some Superior Court hearings. If SB 104 had passed, these and other state official proceedings would have been viewable via cable, desktop, hand-held devices and through personal media. Lawyers, judges, state and federal officials and employees and all Connecticut citizens would be able to follow covered events now or later.
SB 104 had been reported favorably by the Committee on Government Administration and Elections. It was supported by numerous organizations and individuals. But it met its demise in early May at the hands of local and national cable television providers. An estimated 30 lobbyists came into Connecticut in the past several months to block the measure. The most prominent reason for industry opposition was the fear that a national precedent would be set if cable systems would be required to provide this very high level of statewide public service programming to subscribers.
