The issues are timely and interesting. If facing the decision to vote yes or no myself, I'd vote yes because this may be the only news most of our students see in any given day. Most students understand the marketing techniques of advertisers - and it is one way to open up communication about current marketing in America. The wiring is the only thing a school gets to keep when they disconnect from the Channel One service. The school and parents have no control over the content of the programs.
Funding is available for implementing technology in the schools from a wide variety of sources.
Search for it. Become educated about all the available options for your students in the vast array of technological pathways. Teach your students to become media 'literate' citizens who can judge for themselves how to invest their money and their energies. I do not consider the Channel 1 student reporters to be good role models for my students. For the free stuff and the neat things you can do like live presentations and ed programs it is worth it.