New Harris CNET representative reports rising programming and introduces optional AI closed‑captioning

Alexander Schmidt Bauer, the newly appointed Harris Township representative to CNET, told the board on May 12 that CNET produced 527 programs in 2024 and that Harris sponsored roughly 32 programs last year, a small increase from 2023. He said CNET operates with a compact staff and several interns and makes content available on channel 7, YouTube and streaming platforms.

Bauer said CNET introduced optional AI closed‑captioning in February 2024; 14 of 17 member municipalities have opted in. He described captioning as an automated service provided by CNET’s server manufacturer and estimated a member cost near $70 per hour; township residents are not charged directly for the feature. Bauer added that Comcast pays franchise fees that flow to the township (about $117,000 in 2024) and provides roughly $35,000 a year in capital funding for CNET; of the franchise receipts, he said about $23,000 went toward CNET dues for Harris.

Board members asked whether captions include sign language; Bauer said no and clarified the captioning is AI‑generated. Members also asked about how long content remains available; Bauer said members can access about 12 months of content without additional payment and that recent funding will allow that window to extend to about 18 months. Bauer and CNET director Cindy Hana said staff and the new CNET rep would answer additional technical or scheduling questions by email.

The board did not take formal action on the CNET update; members thanked the presenters and moved on to the next agenda item.