On April 1st we attended a roundtable discussion and press conference with Senator Ed Markey and representatives from access stations across the commonwealth to defend the future of PEG (Public Access, Education & Government) channels on cable.
To provide a short-form – and yes, this is the short-form explanation – Providers such as Comcast and Verizon (Xfinity & FIOS) pay a 5% fee on profits back to cities and towns in return for using public right of ways to run their infrastructure. While the specifics of how those funds are distributed vary in each municipality, there would be no LETV or LCTV in Lynn without them.
And contrary to popular misconception, your tax dollars do not go towards PEG channels and programs. However, providers do list a line on your bill as they pass the cost onto their customers. It’s not very much, and don’t be fooled for a minute that your bills will decrease if their obligations decrease.
Continue reading Senator Markey supports community media, opposes move by FCC to de-fund →