Post on 06-Jul-2015
description
transcript
Public-Access Television
The Alternative Media Broadcaster
By: Virginia Krusteva
Purpose
To examine if Public Access
Television has the potential to
fill the gap caused by PBS
budget cuts
Brief Overview:Public – Access Television
(PEG) A form of Non – Commercial Mass Media
Grouped with Public, Educational &
Government Access TV Channels = PEG
Goal: To give voice to ordinary citizens
who otherwise wouldn’t be able to voice
opinions publicly
Was only available on Cable TV Systems
Began with the rise of cable TV in the late 70’s and early 80’s
Cable companies required to donate portion of revenue to provide domain for public comments
1984: the Cable Franchise Policy and Communications Act prohibited cable operators from exercising any editorial control over public-access channels (USA)
Public, Educational & Government
Public• Community
programming
• Based on
Community Interest
• Developed by
Individuals & Non-
Profit Organizations
Educational• Curated
• Instructional TV
Programming
• Schools use to
enhance curriculum
Government• Televise Public
Affairs
• Civic Meetings
• E.g.: Town hall
Meetings
Distinction from PBS
PBS
Professionally produced
Highly selective
Mostly Non-Local
National Audience
Government and donation funded
Public-Access TV
Special training not required
Public: Open topic/ uncurated
Could be regional, national & international
Funding usually from Cable Operators/
Membership fees
Why we need PEG
For the community, by the community
Provides diverse programming based on the
community
Two-way form of communication
Gives a medium to minority groups
Non-restrictive forum of free speech - not based
on skills or financial position
Educational
Transmits important government affairs
The Bad…
Lack of involvement from the community
Lack of interest in local happenings
Not objective
Limits pushed too far
PEG in Danger! Cable providers try to phase out PEG Stations,
because there are now so many other forums for
people who want to create their own media
Possible Agenda: Cable companies want more
bandwidth?
Who Suffers?
Lower income communities do not have the
access to the same technology
Internet: We receive what we look for – information
about our community is not simply given to us
Canada and PEG
“Community channels give Canadians the unique ability to see themselves and their
neighbourhoods, towns and cities reflected on television”
-Michel Arpin, the CRTC’s Vice-Chairman of Broadcasting
CRTC changed community television policy to enhance local participation
Community members must be involved in creation of at least 50% of community channel’s programming
(August 26, 2010)
What do you think?
Is PEG programming an
appropriate focus when
filling the gap caused by
PBS budget cuts?
Bibliography
“Community TV“ by www.freepress.net
“CRTC changes community television policy to enhance local participation” Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
“How Public Access TV Evolved into Community Media Centers” By Colin Rhinesmith
“Public Access Television: An Ongoing Effort to Restrict Your Free Speech” By Duke Gomez-Schempp - The People’s Press Project
“Public-Access TV Fights for Relevance in the YouTube Age” By Mike Rosen-Molina
“Who needs public access TV?” By Adrian McCoy Pittsburgh Post-Gazette