MassAccess is a nonprofit trade group representing local community media stations throughout Massachusetts. We are the voice of the over 200 community cable access channels here in Massachusetts.

Currently, we are working with the Massachusetts legislature to promote a Bill that would allow viewers greater access to community cable access channels while improving the quality of the stations as well.

‘An Act to Support Community Access Television’, a bill filed by Senator John Keenan as well as Representative Ruth Balser and Representative Antonio Cabral proposes that community cable access channels, also called “PEG channels,” have access to Electronic Programming Guides, allowing viewers to access information about programs airing on PEG channels, as they would for broadcast channels. It would also provide PEG channels with better signal quality, making it comparable to larger local broadcast stations. If passed, the Bill would state that cable companies must allow PEG channels to broadcast in HD format. These changes would have a large and important impact across the state. Local access cable TV provides a wide range of programs and services, keeping citizens connected to local news and government activities as well as local events, athletic games, and public notices. However, their offerings to Massachusetts cities and towns aren’t limited to what can be seen on TV.

Mostly all local access cable centers are private non-profit organizations or municipal departments. As part of their mission, they are providing education, equipment and training for people interested in production or wanting to pursue careers in TV and Media. For example, Boston Neighborhood Network (BNN), provides month long workshops on how to create and edit your own TV program. Norwood Public Access Television (NPAT) has a similar program which allows Norwood High School’s LEAD Students to come to NPTA studios once a month and record their own show. LEAD is a program for students with special needs that provides them with job training and life skills. Their talk show “LEAD Update” provides information on what students are currently doing while also covering local events and stories. MassAccess hosts a statewide program sharing server where centers, individual producers and even Massachusetts state departments can share informative or entertaining programs across the Commonwealth with a simple upload and download process.

The passage of ‘An Act to Support Community Access Television’ is important to providing PEG channels and centers with the support they need to continue serving their communities. MassAccess proudly supports this legislation and we are optimistic that this Bill will provide local cable access channels with the equal footing they require to stay relevant in a time of ever-changing media technology.

Bill Nay

President, MassAccess