save it. keep it.
latest developments
City Approves Negotiation and Surplus 4Cs Funds for New TV2/TV99
(April 10, 2008) Following a strong recommendation from City Manager Richard Lewis, Traverse City Commissioners voted unanimously to authorize negotiating a deal with the Land Information Access Association (www.liaa.org) to operate TV2/TV99 as outlined in LIAA's proposal. The motion also included authorization to forward the city's share of all surplus funds from the Cherry Capital Cable Council (4Cs) to LIAA for TV2/TV99.
Commissioner Bzdok said of the LIAA proposal, "This is exactly what we asked for."
In related news, the Acme Township Board of Trustees postponed a potential refund of 4Cs surplus funds until they know more about the LIAA proposal. Those funds could be used as seed money when TV2/TV99 operation transfers from the Public Library to LIAA offices.
On April 14, the Easy Bay Township Board will meet to consider the issue of refunds from the 4Cs. All interested citizens should attend the meeting to voice support for TV2.
The 4Cs will meet Wednesday, April 16 at 10am in the Garfield Township Hall to discuss surplus fund disbursement. Current and former 4Cs members have been invited. The LIAA proposal to operate TV2/TV99 was included in the invitation.
A Proposal to Renew & Rebuild Public Access Television Services
in the Grand Traverse Region
(April 5, 2008) The Land Information Access Association (www.liaa.org) has made a proposal to operate public access TV2 and government CH99. LIAA is a well respected local 501(c)3 non-profit organization with 15 years of experience in multi-media production. They also have extensive experience in providing Internet services and solutions which can be used to put TV2 and CH99 content online.
LIAA's mission to help people "shape better communities through participation, education, information and the effective use of technology" is perfectly aligned with the mission of public access media in our community.
Though LIAA has its own board of directors, a new Citizen’s Advisory Board has been formed to guide the transition from the current public access television operation to the new. Tentative LIAA goals include:
- Operate both public access TV2 and government CH99
- Provide new leadership, a new commitment to service, and new accountability
- Rebuild regional support and participation
- Enforce new community decency standards regarding sexually suggestive entertainment content
- Provide pro-active help to local non-commercial organizations in producing programs of interest and service
- Engage local students to produce video programs for public service, student sports and activities, documentaries, entertainment, and creative expression
- Adopt an incentive fee structure that allows any citizen, non-commercial organization, or local government in the cable-viewing region to submit program content. Free or low-cost access will be available in jurisdictions where local governments share part of their cable franchise revenue to help fund TV2/CH99
- Begin putting local government and community service video content on the Internet
- Expand training and volunteer programs
- Seek grants and donations to defray costs
The LIAA proposal has been sent to current and former members of the Cherry Capital Cable Council.
On April 7, 2008, the Traverse City City Commission will consider authorizing the city manager to negotiate with LIAA to operate TV2 and CH99. The commission will also consider whether to authorize the city manager to use surplus Cherry Capital Cable Council (4Cs) funds for the new LIAA operation.
On April 16, 2008, the 4Cs will meet to consider disbursement of surplus funds.
The outcome of both meetings will be crucial in determining whether the LIAA proposal will fly. It is our hope that community decision-makers will agree that LIAA is especially well-suited to operate TV2/CH99 and endorse its proposal.
Download full text of the proposal in pdf format.