The impact of centralized franchising and decision-making on the social productivity of cable television in Puerto Rico

This study examines the process of cable franchising and decision-making in Puerto Rico from 1970 to 1985 and analyzes the internal dynamics of the government regarding the expansion of cable television. Cable television has constituted the only electronic medium which the government of Puerto Rico has been able to regulate. However, this has not necessarily fostered the development of cable's social potentials for cultural diversity and local expression.;The problem is focused in a historical perspective within the context of cable policies and regulatory trends in the United States, and within the particular colonial situation of Puerto Rico. By focusing on non-decisions, as well as on decisions, policy failure is traced to the absence of real decision-making. A variety of resources and documents from public files and the cable industry in Puerto Rico are analyzed. In addition, thirty five in-depth interviews were held with representatives of the industry, public officials and leaders of educational, civic, and cultural institutions and other interest groups.;The data analyzed shows that decisions made throughout the franchising processes have been generally inconsistent and have lacked clear policy considerations regarding several issues and aspects related to cable's social productivity. The opportunity to legislate for a local public policy for cable television has been avoided. Centralized franchising has limited the involvement of local communities and institutions in cable decision-making. Relevant franchising procedures, issues and aspects regarding cable's local, social and cultural implications have been generally disregarded by decision-makers.;While interest groups feel that they have been unable to influence cable decision-making, the industry and most of the public officials consider that the people have been generally apathetic to cable issues and proceedings. A minority of public officials who are inclined to the independent status of the Island and who are leaders of educational and cultural institutions hold the most progressive stand toward decision-making. Within the context of a colonial mentality, most of the public officials have preferred to transfer their role as decision-makers to the American cable companies who ultimately have led cable development as an exclusively commercial venture detached from the Puerto Rican social and cultural environment.