How to resolve AdBlock issue?
The PEG Channel, found on Channel 8, provides public access programming to the community, and is funded in part from franchise fees paid into the general funds of Clearlake and the county by cable provider Mediacom.
Board Chair Ed Robey, who sits on the PEG board, reported that the new joint powers authority agreement between the county and city calls for a five-person board to manage the station.
The station's budget will be funded by the city and county, said Robey.
Originally, the city of Lakeport was expected to take part, reported county Chief Administrative Officer Kelly Cox.
However, Lakeport – which also receives franchise fees – decided not to participate, citing lack of funds. Cox said Lakeport's decision made it necessary to rewrite the draft contract.
Current budget challenges will make it difficult to fund program expansions for the station, said Cox.
Because of lack of interest and inattention over the years, “This PEG station just about died,” said Robey.
Supervisor Denise Rushing said she wanted to know what other communities get from Mediacom as far as support for their PEG stations. She said she believed other areas get more from their franchise agreements.
Cox pointed out that changes in state law meant that local governments no longer have the ability to negotiate their franchise agreements.
There is no requirement for governments to use franchise fees to support PEG stations, Cox added.
The station currently “is a pile of electronic boxes,” which are stored in a cubicle at Clearlake City Hall, said Robey.
It has no studio and no equipment to speak of, with its remaining cameras either old and broken, said Robey. Some of the equipment even disappeared.
Supervisor Jeff Smith said it's key for the station to be worked into a classroom environment. Robey said that had been the case at one point, but a former city administrator stopped working with Yuba College and the effort effectively stopped.
Clearlake Council member Joyce Overton, also a PEG board member, said that Yuba College no longer has the room to set aside for the station.
Both she and Robey noted, however, that there is renewed interest in the station, and there are hopes to have a facility devoted to PEG.
Robey said the board estimated they would need $50,000 to properly run the channel. Cox, however, said that the county only budgeted $5,000 for its half of running the station this year.
That won't help the station afford new equipment, although Robey suggested that they might be able to get “hand-me-down” equipment from larger stations that are upgrading. The station also may apply to the Wine Auction for a grant.
Supervisor Rob Brown said most stations get sponsorships to help cover expenses. Supervisor Jeff Smith agreed, saying the station should seek underwriters. Smith also suggested looking to the Clearlake Chamber of Commerce for use of its conference room as a PEG classroom.
He added that the Board of Supervisors probably should not have given a full $30,000 grant to KPFZ/Lake County Community Radio, but should have considering splitting the amount between the radio station and PEG.
Rushing suggested addressing organizational needs, completing bylaws and pursuing nonprofit status, in addition to tapping Mediacom for more support and resources.
Clearlake Mayor Curt Giambruno wondered if Mediacom purchases large quantities of camera equipment and, if so, would it make such equipment available to PEG?
Brown questioned PEG's importance and asked if it is really watched that much. Robey said it was, pointing to the many college classes that are broadcast on it, as well as the Board of Supervisors meetings.
Many people watch a lot of television as part of their everyday life, said Rushing. “This is one channel that connects them to here.”
Cox said it costs the county between $13,000 and $14000 a year to broadcast the board meetings.
E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
{mos_sb_discuss:3}
