Vermont Access Network and community radio ask lawmakers for $1.89 million to sustain local media and emergency services

Vermont Access Network asked the House Government Operations & Military Affairs Committee for $1,890,000 from the general fund for fiscal 2027 to support statewide community media services, including $1.8 million for community media operations and $90,000 for community radio stations.

Lauren Glendavidian, public policy director for the Center for Media and Democracy and a representative of the Vermont Access Network, told the committee the combined request—filed as part of the Secretary of State’s budget—would fund equipment, capital upgrades and services that sustain local news, public meeting coverage and emergency communications. “We’re here to discuss our FY 27 budget requests,” Glendavidian said in her opening remarks.

The coalition said it represents 24 public‑access television centers and nine nonprofit FM radio stations. Together, the groups produce tens of thousands of hours of locally made programming: the presenters reported about 35,000 hours of original local programming in 2025, roughly 15,000 TV hours and 15,000 radio hours annually, serving an estimated 94% of the state’s population. Glendavidian emphasized the sector’s archive work—about 53,000 programs in one center’s catalog—and said the network trains hundreds of volunteer producers and media makers statewide.

Lou Mulvaney Stanek, executive director of Central Vermont Community Radio, described how community radio functioned as a local information hub during multiple summer floods. “We were broadcasting live with coverage of where the roads were out, where potable water was happening, real time coverage of where people could get help and give help,” Mulvaney Stanek said, describing phone‑in updates, verification of reports, and coordination with volunteers and local officials when power and internet were unavailable.

Committee members questioned the fiscal baseline and how the FY27 ask compared with prior funding. Staff referenced a budget worksheet citing roughly $1.35 million in prior-year funding; witnesses said declining cable fees—estimated at a 6–8% year‑over‑year decline—and rising operating costs have strained centers that rely on cable franchise and local revenue. Witnesses and members noted the radio sector recently expanded stations on the air and that streaming has changed listening habits.

Lawmakers thanked the witnesses and signaled they would consider the request as part of the Secretary of State’s budget process. The committee did not take a vote at the hearing; staff indicated follow‑up work and potential outreach to stakeholders would continue.