Save Access

from: St Petersburg Times

Shoving Democracy Farther from View

September 15, 2007
By Howard Troxler

A bit of ancient history, please.

Our society didn’t always have cable television.

I remember my family getting it for the first time. There were 13 channels. One of them showed nothing but a clock, thermometer and wind meter. It was fascinating.

from: St Petersburg Times

TV channel shakeup causes stir
Local government officials worry the cable changes may reduce open access.

By BARBARA BEHRENDT, Times Staff Writer
Published September 7, 2007

State Rep. Rob Schenck questions the timing of the Bright House changes.

from: Bradenton Herald

Posted on Fri, Sep. 07, 2007
Cable channel change
Bright House switch should be affordable

Government-access TV programming was created in the early days of the cable era as an inexpensive way to provide average citizens easy access to the actions of their governments. Giving viewers a way to watch their county commission or city council in action was considered a small payback by cable companies for the privilege of stringing their cables through public rights of way so they could make big profits off people's love of commercial television programming.

from: SP Times

Public access TV backers seek reprieve from cuts

County commissioners will make their final budget decisions Sept. 20.

By BILL VARIAN, Times Staff Writer
Published September 6, 2007

TAMPA - For months, local and state governments have heard the cry of residents wanting cuts in their tax bills.

from: SP Times

Cable TV slights channels for public

By A TIMES EDITORIAL
Published September 6, 2007

In signing a law this year that deregulates cable television in Florida, Gov. Charlie Crist wrote that he "will work to ensure that this bill does not dilute the availability of public access channels." He'll have to work quickly.

from: WMNF

Pinellas, Hillsborough TV Stations Scramble to Retain Funds

From WMNF-FM, September 4, 2007
By Mitch E. Perry

Tonight in Clearwater, producers and supporters of public access are going before the Pinellas County Commission to urge the Board not to cut funding for the television station.

from: TampaBay.com

August 31, 2007
Letter: Show Your Support For Public Access

Here's a letter asking for public opposition to the decision by Pinellas County to eliminate public-access cable programming as part of its budget cuts (while keeping the government's own channel intact, of course):

from: WMNF Radio

Time short for Pinellas public access TV advocates

08/27/07 WMNF Evening News Monday
By Mitch E. Perry

Pinellas County public access television could be forced off the air next month, perhaps forever.

There are only two public hearings left for advocates for the channel to persuade Pinellas County Commissioners not to cut the entire $331,930 budget.

Note: Another casualty of state-wide franchising in Florida.

from: Tampa Book Buzz

Help save the education channel
July 29, 2007 at 2:30 pm | In Books, Tampa Bay Area |

The Education Channel needs our help. Please read the three emails below and call or email your Hillsborough County Commissioner.

from: Creative Loafing Tampa

No More Public Access?
July 24, 2007
By Alex Pickett

Democracy for America? The Keg Show? Straight From Da Streets?
As of Sept. 30, you may no longer have your share of these and 97 other alternative programs on Pinellas County’s public access TV channel.