Methuen Community Television, in conjunction with other members of the Alliance for Community Media, met with Congresswoman Niki Tsongas’ office to discuss the future of access television. Under the “Keep Us Connected” banner, Executive Director Karen L. Hayden and three colleagues met with Sarah Christopherson, Senior Legislative Assistant on Telecommunications, about issues facing the industry.

In a recently released survey, 20% of the PEG facilities, where state cable franchising has become law, have already experienced a reduction in funding.

26% of our colleagues elsewhere have experienced the loss or reduction of free cable drops in their public buildings.

41% have experienced a loss or reduction in cable company support of the I-net which carries local signals.

Some towns no longer have any cable access facilities at all. And there’s more!

Karen L. Hayden of MCTV was joined by Donna Gacek of the Tewksbury Cable Board and WCTV, Wilmington, Charlie Paige of CCTV, Concord and Russ Hannagan of EBCTV, East Bridgewater (formerly of Lowell).

In a half hour meeting, the group reviewed our current system in Masssachusetts which is based on local authorities having the franchising power in their hands. They shared stories of the programs that local people create, such as Call to Serve, and how access is often the only local media available with newspaper and radio station consolidation.

The group voiced concerns about what is going on around our country because of decisions made by the FCC and other states. The Telecommunications Act of 1984/1996 is being compromised.

If you would like to send a letter in support of community access television, you can send it to:
Sarah Christopherson
Congresswoman Tsongas Office
2229 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

The fax is (202) 226-0771.