Fowler Objects to Adult Content on EPB Cable Options

EPB says it's not getting any complaints about it's available television programming, but former State Senator David Fowler says it includes pornography.

Fowler is urging Chattanoogans to complain to city council.

Meanwhile EPB maintains it's required to offer subscription services.

By June of next year every household in the Chattanooga metropolitan area will have access to full fiber-optics. In addition to making it easier to provide electricity, the system now provides cable television, phone and high-speed internet service.

But the internet service has an option for subscription T-V, including the Playboy and adult channels.

DAVID FOWLER, FAMILY ACTION COUNCIL OF TENNESSEE "It is a shame and disgrace to me that our governmental entities are more interested in making a profit than they would be in purveying pornography that has destroyed so many lives and so many families."

EPB says it is not condoning porn, but has a legal mandate to offer diverse programming.

KATIE ESPERETH, EPB V-P "Legally, as a provider, we cannot censure content, and we cannot choose to not air something because of the nature of the content."

Fowler, who now makes his home in Nashville. He disputes the EPB statement that the company is required to do so.

DAVID FOWLER "The city of Chattanooga and the Electric Power Board do not legally have to offer cable, I've confirmed that with attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund."

The power company is owned by the city, and Fowler thinks citizens should take it up with their council representative.

DAVID FOWLER "Well the power board could take action, but it hasn't and that's disappointing, but the city council ought to at least look over the question."

KATIE ESPESETH "We've not had any customer complaints about the programming that we're offering."

EPB says it has built-in several parental controls that parents can use to keep any objectionable material off their T-V screen.

EPB serves 163-thousand customers and is completing the largest fiber-optics system in the southeast.

The electric utility now offers cable, phone and high speed internet service.