All >
Arts & Entertainment
Never in Bakersfield, Never!
By: Mike Rhodes
Topics: Politics,
cable access,
Fresno,
Clovis
Posted by DoctorMason
Mon Oct 15, 2007 13:56:28 PDT
Viewed 1733
times
0
responses
0
comments
In hundreds of cities across the country, video channels are set aside on cable television systems exclusively for local community use. Non-profit organizations, individual citizens, schools, churches, public agencies, and others are using these channels every day to provide needed information, educate learners of all ages, discuss issues, celebrate community, showcase creativity, and share local events with a wider audience.
This is known as PEG (Public, Government, and Educational) Access. The channels and equipment required to develop PEG Access in a community are secured through each city’s required “franchise agreement” (i.e. contract) with their area’s cable company.
In 2003, a Fresno/Clovis Community Needs Assessment clearly identified a demand for local PEG resources in our area. PEG Access has thrived in communities large and small for more than 25 years. But PEG Access does not exist in Fresno and Clovis. Now is the time to make a change for the better. Your help is urgently needed to ensure that these critically important PEG resources become a reality in our community.
On January 1st, 2008, a change in California law will go into effect, requiring cable companies to provide PEG channels and funding at the request of local communities. At this time, the City of Fresno and the City of Clovis are considering whether or not to enact this requirement in their respective franchises. It is imperative that Fresno and Clovis take the necessary steps now to secure PEG channels and funding for our communities.
On Thursday, October 18th at 3pm, the non-profit Community Media Access Collaborative (CMAC) will hold a community meeting at Cornerstone Conference Center – 1545 Fulton Street in Downtown Fresno. At the meeting, Cable Franchise Consultant Sue Buske will provide an update on local PEG Access issues. In addition, the CMAC Board of Directors will report on the critical next steps that must be taken before December 31st to secure PEG channels and funding for Fresno and Clovis.
I strongly urge you to join us for this meeting. If you need additional information, please contact CMAC Board Chair Randy Reed at 497-3892 or randall.reed@comcast.net. We also request that you RSVP your attendance by contacting CMAC Board Secretary Roberta Barton at 488-1922 by Wednesday, October 10th.
Thank you very much for your support.
Mike Rhodes
Editor
Community Alliance newspaper
P.O. Box 5077
Fresno Ca 93755
(559) 978-4502 (cell)
(559) 226-3962 (fax)
AllianceEditor@comcast.net
http://www.fresnoalliance.com/home/
