Since March 1995, the Cable Access Office has received numerous calls requesting information about government access services. The City initiated two public workshops to inform citizens about the public access concept. In addition, Communications Department staff members have met with one religious-affiliated group that is interested in developing a public access channel that would be available to the entire community. It is the position of the Communications Department that an outside, non-profit group should manage public access, with the City offering some initial funding and minimal support services as provided through the franchise with Comcast. Government Access Trends Local governments handle public access in many different ways.
Some communities place a high priority on public access, while others do very little.
It is a citizen-driven issue which can elicit strong reactions from both those who produce programs and those who view them. Most localities fall into one of three public access categories - government managed, cable operator managed or community managed. Recommended Alternatives 1. Work is slated to begin in Fall 1998 regarding the cable franchise renewal process. If community interest is present, the committee could assist with developing standards and objectives for a community run public access channel.