July 11, 2025 |LCTV News, Legislation, Lynn Community Television, News, Non-profits, State of MA

LCTV Seeking Public Support To Help Save Funding

Share

• F
• T
• L

Yesterday, our Executive Director Seth Albaum had the honor of being one of the many community media centers to testify in favor of an Act to Modernize Funding for Community Media Programming in front of the Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity Committee at the State House (virtually.)

His testimony included our vast amount of community coverage, that we have not been able to re-fill staff positions, and that we have no choice but to move from our prime downtown location for cheaper rent. We have modernized and began streaming years ago. Our funding mechanism has stayed in the past. That’s what this is about.

There were many community media centers testifying in person and virtually, all with compelling and unique stories. Here’s an opportunity for you to add yours, and it will only take a little bit of your time. The deadline is fast approaching!

Here’s the info you need

The money that cities and towns receive for cable and internet provider’s use of public rights of way is dwindling fast, because in the 1980’s, only the word “cable” was used in the legislation that set up “Cable franchise agreement” payments, from which community media centers are funded. On that technicality, community media centers like LCTV lose funding every time a household cuts cable. Yet, organizations like LCTV have followed audiences, and we’ve been been streaming on multiple platforms for years. And many of those viewing us online are using the same infrastructure that once carried their cable TV service. The same infrastructure that still runs through public rights of way. All we’re asking is for our funding to catch up with the rest of the world.

An Act to Modernize Funding for Community Media Programming, bills H.91, S.41, and H.106 (our preferred language) – was introduced in the 2025 Massachusetts legislative session by Senator Jason Lewis and Representatives Joan Meschino and Margaret Scarsdale. This is a critical opportunity for our voices to be heard and we need your immediate support.

What You Need to Do:

Submit Written Testimony by Monday, July 14 at 5:00 PM. Please address your testimony to the Chairs, and cc all the members of the Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity (AITIC) Committee:

• House Chair Tricia Farley-Bouvier – Tricia.Farley-Bouvier@mahouse.gov
• Senate Chair Michael Moore – Michael.Moore@masenate.gov
• The rest of the committee – Pavel.Payano@masenate.gov, james.hawkins@mahouse.gov, Mike.Barrett@masenate.gov, Barry.Finegold@masenate.gov, Paul.Mark@masenate.gov, peter.durant@masenate.gov, Steve.Ouellette@mahouse.gov, Christopher.Flanagan@mahouse.gov, Thomas.Moakley@mahouse.gov,
  Orlando.Ramos@mahouse.gov, Steven.Owens@mahouse.gov,
  tommy.vitolo@mahouse.gov, Joan.Meschino@mahouse.gov, Marc.Lombardo@mahouse.gov, John.Gaskey@mahouse.gov

Email Subject Line: AITIC Written Testimony (Bill H.91/S.41/H.106). Again, it helps if the content of the letter is original to you, but you can use this as a guide (borrowed from the Creative Collective)

“Community media has been valuable to me because [share your specific experience – maybe you attended an event, were featured on something, learned a skill, or just believe in accessible media resources].

As cable subscriptions decline, it makes sense that streaming services—which use the same public infrastructure—should also contribute to these vital community resources.

I urge you to support this forward-thinking legislation that ensures community media can continue serving our creative economy and amplifying diverse local voices.

Thank you for considering this important issue.”

We appreciate your support, as always!