Thanks to all of you who came out to the Oct 13th
Public Hearing!!
Sun., Oct. 17, 2004 /public access news
Public hearing
regarding the Comcast franchise renewal
Over 40 people testified, most of whom made it clear that the "P" -- the People -- in PEG TV must be protected by including specifically allocated, yearly renewable funding for public access operating expenses.
Judy Lombardi, an enthusiastic public access supporter, wrote the following about what took place on 10/13:
"Baltimore Grassroots Media, as well as the majority of the people present and testifying at City Hall at the Public Hearing on Wednesday, Oct. 13th, made it clear that the "done deal" -- the new cable franchise contract that has been negotiated between the City of Baltimore and Comcast Corporation -- is not done yet!
The presentation of the facts by Baltimore Grassroots Media regarding what other jurisdictions have been able to negotiate in terms of funding for the "P" -- the People -- in PEG - was fantastic, and must continue to be a central focus of Baltimore Grassroots Media's position.
In addition we must demand -- yes demand! -- that specifically allocated funding for the "P" in PEG be part of the Comcast/City of Baltimore agreement. This is fundamental, since we know that without specifically allocated funds, public access television, which represents the People, is doomed to failure.
Democracy is dependent on access to social, political and economic facts. Yet in this age where, as so eloquently stated by Amy Goodman of Democracy Now!, "there is so much mass media and so little news," the facts are harder and harder to access. This is why the People -- including the people of Baltimore -- are demanding direct access to televised media, so that their voice will be heard. This is why the "P" in PEG must be fully and fairly funded. A decision to do anything less than this will hurt the City of Baltimore and its citizens, and they deserve much, much better."
Baltimore Sun coverage of the Oct. 13th Hearing
Baltimore Indymedia piece, "Oct 13: Final Hearing on Public Access TV" (many thanks to Jim George)
PowerPoint Presentation to the City Council at Oct 13th Public Hearing (requires MS PowerPoint)
Over 40 people testified, most of whom made it clear that the "P" -- the People -- in PEG TV must be protected by including specifically allocated, yearly renewable funding for public access operating expenses.
Judy Lombardi, an enthusiastic public access supporter, wrote the following about what took place on 10/13:
"Baltimore Grassroots Media, as well as the majority of the people present and testifying at City Hall at the Public Hearing on Wednesday, Oct. 13th, made it clear that the "done deal" -- the new cable franchise contract that has been negotiated between the City of Baltimore and Comcast Corporation -- is not done yet!
The presentation of the facts by Baltimore Grassroots Media regarding what other jurisdictions have been able to negotiate in terms of funding for the "P" -- the People -- in PEG - was fantastic, and must continue to be a central focus of Baltimore Grassroots Media's position.
In addition we must demand -- yes demand! -- that specifically allocated funding for the "P" in PEG be part of the Comcast/City of Baltimore agreement. This is fundamental, since we know that without specifically allocated funds, public access television, which represents the People, is doomed to failure.
Democracy is dependent on access to social, political and economic facts. Yet in this age where, as so eloquently stated by Amy Goodman of Democracy Now!, "there is so much mass media and so little news," the facts are harder and harder to access. This is why the People -- including the people of Baltimore -- are demanding direct access to televised media, so that their voice will be heard. This is why the "P" in PEG must be fully and fairly funded. A decision to do anything less than this will hurt the City of Baltimore and its citizens, and they deserve much, much better."
Baltimore Sun coverage of the Oct. 13th Hearing
Baltimore Indymedia piece, "Oct 13: Final Hearing on Public Access TV" (many thanks to Jim George)
PowerPoint Presentation to the City Council at Oct 13th Public Hearing (requires MS PowerPoint)