8 June, 2011
Hopkinton's Comcast cable contract is up for renewal. Under the federal law that governs cable renewals, there is process that must be followed and one of the first steps is a public hearing to gather feedback from residents.
"First we are looking to see your comments concerning how well Comcast has performed under its existing license," said Cable Advisory Committee Chairman Kurt Fliegauf. "Second, we would like to hear comments about the community's cable needs and interests."
HCAM Station Manager Jim Cozzens provided a summary of the station's growth over the last eight years when control of the cable station was turned over to HCAM.
"When Comcast turned over the production facilities to HCAM, there were less than five active volunteers," said Cozzens. "I know this because I was one of them."
According to Cozzens, since HCAM has taken over, he has trained over 95 residents in television production skills, and has increased the programming from 15 hours a month to over 40 hours a month of original programming. A total of 35 non-profit and community groups are HCAM members and the station has just entered into a collaboration to run Channel 10, the educational access channel.
Community groups and volunteers alike spoke in favor of HCAM.
"I think that HCAM is unique," said Kathleen Culler, who is an HCAM volunteer and a photographer for the MetroWest Daily News. "There are many programs that they are doing that are hands and leagues ahead of everybody else and the one that stands out for me is the news show."
Culler applauded the efforts of the news team and said that she wished that she could get involved.
"They are bringing information to the community, about the community, for the community," said Culler.
School Committee member Jean Bertschmann said, "Every time I have gone to HCAM, they have never said no."
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tim Kilduff said he had experience working with other local access stations.
"I think it is fair to say that HCAM is at the top of the heap," said Kilduff.
The renewal is an ongoing process. Additional opportunities for public comment and feedback will be available and are welcomed. To submit comments or feedback, email geri@hopkinton.org.
