Lake Cham seeks legislative support amid declining cable funding crisis

During a recent meeting of the Lakeville Select Board, significant concerns were raised regarding the future of cable funding for local public access television, LakeCAM. The discussions highlighted the challenges posed by the evolving landscape of cable and streaming services, particularly as companies like Comcast shift their focus from traditional cable to internet-based streaming.

Currently, Massachusetts law allows towns to receive funding from cable companies, capped at 5% of their gross annual revenues. However, as more consumers opt for streaming services, the funding for local access channels is declining. LakeCAM has already experienced a 2-3% drop in funding over the past few years, with some communities facing reductions as steep as 30%. This trend raises alarms about the sustainability of local programming and the ability to maintain staff and services that residents rely on.

A representative from LakeCAM urged the Select Board to take action by contacting state legislators, specifically Representative Orel and Senator Rodericks, to inquire about the status of a bill that could address these funding issues. The bill, identified as Senate 41 and House 106, aims to establish regulations that would ensure continued financial support for local access channels in the face of declining cable revenues.

The urgency of this matter was underscored by the representative's personal experience with rising cable costs and the lack of viable options for consumers. As cable companies transition to streaming models, the absence of a legal framework governing these changes could jeopardize funding for local media, which plays a crucial role in community engagement and information dissemination.

The Select Board acknowledged the broader implications of this shift, recognizing that it is not just a local issue but one that affects communities across the state. As the meeting concluded, the board expressed a commitment to follow up on the proposed legislation and advocate for the necessary support to protect local access programming.

In summary, the Lakeville Select Board's discussions reflect a critical juncture for local media funding, emphasizing the need for legislative action to adapt to the changing media landscape and ensure that community voices continue to be heard.