Waxman

An e-mail message from a lobbyist employed by Time Warner Cable has dragged the cable company into the middle of the partisan dispute over the merits of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, better known as “Obamacare.”

Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), the ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee obtained a copy of an e-mail message sent by the cable lobbyist to House and Senate Republicans:

“Next time you think about helping the broadcasters – particularly the networks – read this. . . .”

The e-mail contained a link to an article in the conservative Weekly Standard titled, “NBC Launches Week of Programming to ‘Help’ Obamacare Succeed.”

The incident did not amuse Waxman, who promptly fired a letter off to Time Warner Cable CEO Glenn Britt:

Mr. Glenn A. Britt
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Time Warner Cable
60 Columbus Circle
New York, NY 10023

Dear Mr. Britt:

I recently obtained an email that one of Time Warner Cable’s lobbyists sent to Republican staff in the House and Senate.  The email says, “next time you think about helping the broadcasters – particularly the networks – read this. . . .”  Immediately below his message, your lobbyist pasted a link to an article in The Weekly Standard titled “NBC Launches Week of Programming to ‘Help’ Obamacare Succeed.”   I have attached a copy of the email.

Could you please explain why this email was sent and what purpose it serves?

A broadcaster has a public service obligation and should be informing viewers about the new options for health coverage under the Affordable Care Act.

On the other hand, a cable company should not be pandering to the worst instincts of the reckless Republican extremists that seem to be running the House of Representatives.

Sincerely,

Henry A. Waxman
Ranking Member