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Key Event Tonight, Thursday Sept. 30, 7:30pm

Tonight is especilly important for supporters for Public Access TV. Robert Curran, who will chair a decisive Oct. 13 hearing, will be present at a League of Women Voters forum tonight, September 30. Curran, and the other candidates, need to hear our voices.

St. John's Church of Hamilton, 5315 Harford Road (21214 - parking in back). It begins at 7:30 P.M.



Motivation

Alternative Media is an essential element of a functional society. The future of dedicated funding for Public Access TV hangs in the balance and will be decide in the month to come. A positive outcome depends on the voices of ordinary people.

According to the Baltimore Sun, "Michael Shea, a Baltimore Grassroots Media spokesman, said the City Council must work to convince the city's spending board, which is controlled by O'Malley, to insert language into the final franchise agreement to guarantee money for public access every year."

" 'This is our only chance' for the next 12 years, Shea said. 'This is our window of opportunity.' " The Comcast franchise agreement, which has been drafted, and awaits City Council approval, is written for a 12-year period.

More that You Should Know

Unlike other cities and counties that have vibrant Public Access TV programs, Baltimore's pending franchise agreement does not set aside funding for Public Access TV. According to the Sun, "Advocates for public access shows, which air on city cable's Channel 5, are worried that Mayor Martin O'Malley's administration will approve the pending 12-year franchise with cable-provider Comcast without demanding a guaranteed funding source for basic public access needs: a studio, training classes, and video and editing equipment."

The Battle is Being Waged Now

Public Access supporters need to hold Curran and the other candidates accountable at tonight's Fourm and in writing in the weeks to come. Raise your voice tonight:

1) Ask the members if they are for or against vibrant Public Access TV in Baltimore.

2) Inform the Council Members that the cities and counties with vibrant Public Access TV programs are successful because they have dedicated funding written into their franchise agreements. Many of these successful Public Access TV programs are in cities and counties that are smaller than Baltimore (e.g., Carroll County, MD).

3) Ask the Council Members to seek an amendment to the Comcast franchise agreement that would set aside annual dedicated funding for Public Access TV.

4) Mark your calendar for Oct. 13, the decisive public hearing on Public Access TV.

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