For the presentation of programming on public channels, a grantee shall lease time and, if necessary, adequate studio facilities to members of the public at rates filed with Council and subject to Council's review in accordance with the provisions of Section 701.10. Appropriate technical assistance shall also be furnished by a grantee. Time shall be leased on a first-come, first-serve basis, except that a grantee shall endeavor to lease such channel time to as many different persons as is practical, it being the intention of Council that such public channels serve as a significant source of diversified expression. In order that there is a maximum opportunity for freedom of expression by members of the public, such programming shall be free from any control by a grantee as to program content, except as is required to protect a grantee from liability under applicable law. Council may direct that a grantee discontinue or not deliver a program on the public channels which it finds to be essentially promotional or otherwise related primarily to the conduct of a business, trade or profession; provided, however, that this provision shall not be construed as a prohibition of advertiser-supported programming on public channels.
(Ord. 5757-1980. Passed 5-13-80.)