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Medford Community Media seeks small FY26 rise; manager flags cable-license renegotiation and cord-cutting risks
Summary
Medford Community Media's station manager told the council the public access operation's FY26 budget proposal is $215,061, a modest increase driven by personnel COLA/step raises and potential legal fees tied to cable franchise negotiations; the station said cord-cutting and franchise revenue trends are key long-term concerns.
Kevin Harrington, station manager for Medford Community Media, told the Committee of the Whole on April 30 that the station's proposed FY26 operating budget is $215,061, up about $6,600 from FY25. He said most of the increase covers cost-of-living and step raises for staff and a contingency for legal fees related to cable-franchise negotiations.
"We have a team with KB law who's been working on it with us," Harrington said, describing preliminary meetings and a public hearing that took place in the prior fall as part of the franchise-renewal process. He said the station hopes to at least retain its current share of cable-franchise funding (PEG fees) and is planning for potential capital needs if its studio location changes, for example if a new high school alters current space arrangements.
Harrington described volunteer and staffing contributions that sustained the station over the year and noted the station has reduced a small part-time stipend pool. He said the station is watching industry trends: "there's a couple bills, I believe, that are meant to include streaming subscriptions into PEG fees," an inclusion that, if enacted, could offset declines from cord-cutting.
Councilors asked about the franchise negotiation timeline and whether PEG revenues might decline even if percentages remain steady because of fewer cable subscribers. Harrington said the station has held a public hearing (a required step in franchise negotiations) and is working with legal counsel; he also described contingency planning for relocation and equipment purchases.
No formal action was recorded on the media budget during the April 30 meeting. Councilors thanked Harrington for the presentation and discussed options, including possible future council resolutions to seek state legislative action if necessary.
