Save Access

from: Grand Rapids Community Media Center

CMC announces reduced hours as details of new state cable franchising rules hit home

File under Television | Link to this item
Posted 5/10/2007

GRAND RAPIDS — Starting Monday, May 14, 2007 the Community Media Center will be operating on a reduced schedule, due to a funding interruption brought about by new Uniform Video Franchising legislation recently enacted by Michigan lawmakers. Because of this one-time funding loss, CMC is forced to reduce its total hours of operation by nearly 20 hours per week.

When the Michigan legislators proposed the new rules last fall, community access organizations and municipalities expressed concerns. Many saw threats to service as local communities and cable providers would have to fit unique local contracts into a “one-size fits all” package from the State.

Local cable provider Comcast recently restructured its franchise payment timelines to align with the new rules. The result is a four and a half month funding gap for the Community Media Center’s GRTV (cable channels 24 & 25). GRTV provides community media training, public access channel management, and production support for local residents and nonprofit organizations.

The one-time funding gap represents nearly 20% of the Media Center’s annual budget; however cuts have been kept to a minimum. This is possible in large part because of the strength of CMC’s other technology and media services.

“It’s unfortunate that we will need to cut back GRTV services, but that is the reality we’re facing,” said CMC Executive Director Laurie Cirivello. “However, thanks to the strength of our WYCE, Wealthy Theatre and GrandNet operations, we will survive this.
Grand Rapids is fortunate, because the Community Media Center’s services and revenue are much more diversified than most media centers’ around the country. “

The new service hours for the Bridge St.facility will be Monday through Friday, 12:00 – 9:00pm and Saturdays from 9:00am - 6:00pm. CMC Wealthy will provide equipment check-out on Fridays and Mondays only, from 4:00 - 8:00pm.

A complete listing of hours and services can be seen at the Media Center’s website www.grcmc.org.