July/August 2009

When your not tuned into PAC 14, I have some light 'Summer Reading' you will find informative and interesting.

PAC 14 is much more than something you watch - it's something you participate and interact with. It's vastly more unique than any other channel on the cable dial...it's 'us'...our hometown...our people...it's a one of a kind. That is here at least, many communities have more than 1 channel.

The more our viewers and supporters understand about Public, Educational and Governmental Access channels - the most vital and fundamental information - such as why PEG channels were originally conceived, what they were intended to do, who they were intended to help, what Community Media Centers across the country look like (in comparison to ours), and certainly how they were intended to be funded...the better off we'll all be.

The structure of any community is only as strong as the sum of it's parts; it's people. How successful and progressive that community is, depends a great deal on how deeply it embraces the need for civic engagement and public participation. The amazing thing about PEG channels, which we're not sure some people fully appreciate, is that our services (from local citizen producer to home viewer) serve an entire community. There are many wonderful non-profit organizations, civic groups, youth activities, clubs, and alike, that provide 'specific services' related to a specific topic or need. PAC 14 on the other hand provides 'broad' support to every citizen, every viewer, every organization, literally every single person. On top of that, all of the user based services we provide are free.

We, the staff of PAC 14, and certainly our large membership of supporters, believe that it's the sum of our parts - and our services - that define who we are and why PAC 14 must grow. They dismiss the notion that any single component of our service is more important than another, or that any one segment of our overall programming is any more important than another. The broad variety of programs televised by PAC 14 are all equally as vital, all complimentary, all appreciated by the producers and viewers - and given these facts - the funding provided to our Community TV station should reflect the 'entire' service - not - just any single portion of it. No other service, such as libraries, are viewed in this manner; in that they might receive funding for a single rack of books on a particular set of topics, as opposed to the entire service they provide.

Please take a little time to read through some of the "Summer Reading" information below...learn the facts... educate yourself...and arm your self with knowledge. After all, we're not just a local TV station, we're the 'local citizens' TV station. While there's a dedicated staff of three working hard every day, it's ultimately up to you as an individual, and all of us united, to ensure that PAC 14 never falters. "We the People" are the most vital and significant resource.. and what makes a community...a strong community. Take nothing for granted in regard to PAC 14 or any other deserving community service - give and volunteer until it hurts. Let's think progressively and find the answers to improve our entire community - PAC 14 and all - we'll all be better for it.

Can't thank you all enough for your many years of support. In fact, about 10 years of support! Happy 10th Anniversary to PAC 14 - and us all! Lets light a fire under this candle and see how high we can go!


Summer Reading list
P.E.G. Access channels - services, funding, and examples of Community Media Centers look in Maryland and across the country.

PEG Access - Defined:
Public Access Television: America's Electronic Soapbox - Laura R. Linder, 1999
Access Basics - The Buske Group
Public-access television  - Wikipedia

Franchise Fees - Defined:
CATV Franchise Fees -- Does the Rent Increase with the Benefit?
Franchise Fee Pass-Through Under the Dallas Decision

Related articles and information in regard to Franchise Fees and municipal agreements:
Austin City Council Cable Television Franchise Fee Audit
Surviving Language Migration From Telecom to Broadband Policy

PAC 14 - A sample of our broad local community support:
Feedback from the community

Community Media Centers and related P.E.G. Access services - Maryland examples:
Anne Arundel Community Television
Carroll Community Media
Montgomery Community Television, Inc.
Montgomery County PEG Network
UMTV
Takoma Park City TV

Community Media Centers - Notable national examples:
Grand Rapids Michigan
Capital Community Television
Community Media Center of Santa Rosa
DCTV

Support PAC 14:
Public Access TV - it's time for a brighter future for PEG Access in our community!
After visiting the sites providing and looking at the examples of CMC's in other communities in Maryland and across
the nation, we hope you will add your name to the list of over 800 member / supporters. PAC 14 is a proven and valued service...all that's missing is the appropriate funding and facilities needed to fulfill its mission.
You can help! Sign our Petition, and Become a Member!

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