The Region : Cable TV Rights Renewed

A dozen cable television franchises facing a Jan. 7 expiration date in Los Angeles were renewed for an additional five months by the City Council, ensuring that service will not be interrupted as city officials consider which firms will retain cable franchises. The exclusive franchises, which now serve 1.2 million subscribers citywide, were scheduled to expire next month, but council members agreed that more time is needed for the Telecommunications Department to review renewal applications from cable operators. They moved the expiration date to May 7. A daylong public hearing on the cable franchises will begin at 9 a.m. Monday at City Hall.