12-29-2008, 09:37 PM
mrbigstuff wrote:
is that considered a violation of one's access to information?
This is legal. You don't have a right to "access to information." Rights to free expression can be asserted by the speaker, writer, artist, etc. and usually only when specific content is being restricted or censored. Also, individual rights can always be abrogated in the name of the public interest, if the restrictions are not discriminatory (as defined by law) and the government's interest is compelling (as determined by judicial interpretation).
You do have a right to petition your local government for redress of this grievance, however. For example, you could run for local council/board on a platform that includes opening TV/net franchising to competition. If your neighbors are as unhappy about this as you are, you could win and change the law. The key here is that it requires your engagement and effort - that's what participatory civilian governance is all about.