Sacramento Metro Cable Commission pauses major PEG cuts, approves limited staffing to preserve records and operations

The Sacramento Metropolitan Cable Television Commission voted Sept. 17 to postpone a final decision on sweeping cuts to public, educational and government (PEG) funding and the commission’s general fund distribution, approving instead a narrower package that preserves a records-management hire and limited administrative staffing while stakeholders work on a transition plan.

The commission’s executive director, Sean Ayala, proposed a phased reduction in channel-licensee and PEG support—“Reduce channel licensee, general fund, and PEG funding by 25% per quarter, and carry commission vacancies to reduce administrative costs”—as revenues from franchise and PEG fees have declined. After more than three hours of public comment and discussion, Vice Chair Gatewood moved to adopt the general fund resolution with most elements stricken except those authorizing the records-management position and limited administrative changes; Member Middleton seconded the motion, and the clerk announced the motion passed with all members voting yes.

Supporters of the Sacramento Educational Cable Consortium (SCCC) and public-access organizations urged the commission to delay cuts and collaborate on alternatives, saying the proposed reductions would abruptly remove services that students and community members rely on. Aaron Heinrich, executive director of SCCC, told the commission “there are about a 110 media educators in Sacramento County teaching about 2,500 kids,” and warned that many classroom programs depend on SCCC’s technical support and production services. Joe Barr, board chair of Access Sacramento, said, “Cuts like these shouldn't be rushed without…