Minute Man Media Network committee recommends FY26 budget; seeks studio upgrades and jumbotrons for 250th events

The Minute Man Media Network / PEG Access Advisory Committee reviewed and voted to recommend the proposed FY26 operating and capital budget, including funds for studio upgrades, new studio and field cameras, replacement editing stations, and a short-term plan to secure rented jumbotron screens for the town’s 250th anniversary events.

Committee presenters said projected FY26 operating revenue includes approximately $320,000 in Comcast franchise/PEG fees and a notable increase in contracted services revenue from Carlisle (described as an expanded set of services and a podcast channel). Presenters proposed personnel funding that incorporates health and other benefits but removes a previously budgeted senior-producer position; the presenters said current staffing and the use of limited-status videographers allow the network to cover upcoming workload without filling that billet immediately.

Non-personnel spending increases in the FY26 request include higher allocations for supplies and materials (to rebuild depleted inventories), software licensing and technical services, and a larger “other charges” line intended for professional development, peer conferences and training. Capital requests in the FY26 submission include three new studio cameras and updated control-room wiring; separate line items cover field cameras and staggered computer-refresh cycles for editing workstations.

Committee members discussed a time-sensitive capital need for portable video screens (jumbotrons) to provide accessible viewing for large outdoor crowds during the town’s 250th events. The presenters shared two vendor options: a smaller trailer-mounted screen (approximate rental cost $6,500 and ~300-foot viewing distance) and a larger trailer-mounted screen (approximate rental cost $10,500 with a longer viewing distance). Committee members emphasized the procurement urgency because many rental units are already committed for a major regional event happening two days later, and some providers require advance booking and special transport arrangements.

Members said jumbotron siting must be coordinated with public-safety planners (named contacts included the town’s parade and public safety leads) to avoid conflicts with crowd-management plans. The committee discussed possible sites including near the bridge ceremonial area, spaces on or near Monument Square, and a plan to provide accessible viewing near the Concord Depot/temporary MBTA platform for people with mobility needs.

Presenters also reviewed programming and community outreach accomplishments that support the budget request: the network won a regional Alliance for Community Media award for a Concord Public Library video; student engagement has increased (students producing shows and radio/podcast work); a new Concord podcast channel and an ongoing Concord Prison Outreach podcast series were cited; and the network has been asked to produce drone footage to support the town’s MCI Concord land-use study. Meeting participants noted the Department of Correction limited permission for that production to drone flights from off-site locations (no internal ground access granted).

By voice vote the committee recommended the FY26 budget as presented; the recommendation will be forwarded to the town’s enterprise hearing process and, if advanced, to annual town meeting for final appropriation.