§24D-1-1. Legislative findings.

The Legislature finds that television is an important source of information and entertainment affecting the welfare and economy of the state, and that cable television services have become widespread, often providing the only access to quality television signals in many areas of the state. The Legislature finds that it is in the public interest to establish uniform standards within the State of West Virginia for the issuance, renewal and transfer of cable television franchises; to establish uniform standards for the provision of cable service; to establish uniform procedures for the investigation and resolution of complaints concerning cable service; and to establish just, reasonable and nondiscriminatory rates and charges for the provision of cable service to the extent that the service is not subject to effective competition. The purpose of the article is to promote such goals by all available means not in conflict with federal law, rules or regulations.