FCC_Dortch Letter_Local Television ProgrammingTHE CITY OF DUBUQUE
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
May 19, 2008
Marlene H. Dortch
Secretary
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, W.S. Room TW-A325
Washington, D.C. 20554
Re: MB Docket No. 04-233
Dear Ms. Dortch:
Office of the Mayor & City Council
City Hall
50 West 13`h Street
Dubuque, IA 52001-4864
www. c ityofdubuque. org
As Mayor of Dubuque, and on behalf of the Dubuque City Council, I am writing to underscore the
importance of local television programming to local governments. Dubuque is home to nearly 60,000
people and encompasses approximately 30 square miles on the Mississippi River where Iowa, Illinois,
and Wisconsin meet.
The City of Dubuque relies heavily on local television stations to cover city government issues and
keep our citizens informed of important news. While there are currently no television stations based in
Dubuque, we are fortunate to be served by KWWL, KCRG, and KGAN. KWWL and KCRG have
invested in our community and maintain bureau offices in Dubuque. Staff from these stations
frequently cover our regular city council meetings, special events, and, of course, local elections.
Another tremendous benefit of local coverage relates to public safety. The City of Dubuque relies
upon our local media to inform our residents of emergency- and weather-related issues. The record-
breaking winter of 2007-2008 is a perfect example. In addition to providing critical information on
approaching storms, the City relied upon our local media to inform citizens when our snow route
parking policy was activated, when travel was not advised, and other instances when weather-related
action was required.
In closing, the City of Dubuque considers our local television stations major partners in our efforts to
keep our residents informed on local government and public safety issues. The current processes and
rules for local programming are working very well and do not require changes. I respectfully request
you carefully consider any changes to the manner in which local programming is regulated.
Sincerely,
Dubuque
Roy D. Buol
Mayor
2007