Worcester's Cable Franchise Renewal

This is not to criticize anyone involved with the process. We are grateful for the support and consideration the station and the PEG channels have received. The following is simply what I interpret in the new contract. The objective of my writing this is an attempt to foster understanding of both sides of the issue. Legal terminology aside, a cable franchise is very complicated, as a strategic opportunity to benefit everyone in Worcester, it deserves professional attention. I believe the city and council believe they are making the best choice possible. However, it is a continuing mistake to subject WCCA TV to political whim. I am compelled, however to speak honestly. If I am incorrect on any aspect or view, I welcome constructive clarification. Friendly dialog is always good. As we strive to be as inclusive as possible, WCCA TV is a part of the Worcester family, we are all on the same team.

Beyond the political rhetoric, I find nothing in the agreement that proves or points to consumer benefits. The franchise, like the last two before it, is non-exclusive. The agreement does nothing more to provide additional incentive for competition in the city than the previous two contract did. Seniors will experience a 10% reduction in discounts, I have not found any real change in customer service provisions, with franchise fees remaining a consistent 5%, the length of term which was cut from 10 to 5 years, amounts to 50% cut in funding for PEG over the next ten years.
PEG provisions are written so vaguely it may further politicize public access issues in the future, with a potential to create more expense for all involved in the long run. Mandating Charter to submit quarterly reports will, most likely, add to Charter's pass through cost to customers as well.

I don't see any language or mechanism in the agreement that would suggest any immediate improvements for WCCA at any level. Funding levels and conditions for WCCA are unclear and yet to be determined upon negotiation. WCCA will need to prepare to negotiate within the limited confines of the contract.

Bad points about this contract for WCCA TV (PEG):

Short term contract presents many challenges to sustain a stronger financial position for the company. Financing will cost more at shorter terms. Leaving less time to leverage long term savings, etc. (all PEG could have benefited from that)

Capital funding will not meet equipment and facility needs as expressed in the assessment reports. It is not delineated how much will go to WCCA.

No broadband set asides

No additional public access channel designated for WCCA, no means to obtain one in the future either when needed.

No additional public access channel county wide, no means to obtain one in the future either.

Lacks mechanism to distribute WCCA's programming beyond Worcester's boarders without usurping the existing public access channels in other cities and towns.

Lacks any opportunity for WCCA to expand channel capacity,interconnect with fiber networks, or directly support web presence.

Lacks any language or mechanism for WCCA program information to be on preview guide channel or channel ID.

Does not delineate who will facilitate payments to the access center or relative time lines.

What PEG may potentially see of franchise revs:

5% ( whatever it will be) - $1.30(State & city tax)-$477,000 yr (INet expense to serve the city government ONLY), Net to PEG and Cable related needs ( Sorry, I'm not sure how to make that less vague)

Good points relative to WCCA and PEG;

The city has an agreement for not LESS than five years

Provisions include financial and capital funds to support PEG channels which WCCA is the P of PEG.

Three INet channels were included at no cost to PEG

An additional 4th PEG channel in the digital tier.

Some protection to keep PEG on the basic tier

Opportunity for limited negotiations to benefit WCCA.

MAURO's OPINION
The worst of all of this is that WCCA TV, it's mission, has become subject to political whim.
The negotiation process did not leave ample room to include WCCA's professional perspective at the table level. People are never happy with their cable operator, it appears, with regard to the short term contract, apparently, the mission of WCCA public access, "TV, By, For, and Of the People", along with the millions of dollars WCCA returns to the citizens of Worcester every year, and the station's cutting edge accomplishments, has taken a back seat to those who are upset with high cable rates and Charter's alleged record of poor customer service. The complaints against Charter, have nothing to do with WCCA and in fact, this may have served only to hurt the PEG community more than anything else and that is a shame.

In fact, if the city takes steps to strengthen WCCA Public Access community news and information programming, and to encourage community programming capacity and ensuring
it's content to be distributed county wide, it may reduce the city's dependence on Charter and any other future operator(s), and that would do more to strengthen the city at large and better serve a smart city telecommunication infrastructure. A longer term would have locked in benefits without sacrificing other considerations such as
technology or competition. The city had the option to negotiated for a longer term. I remain of the opinion that would have better served the city.
WCCA will continue to review this matter. We look for your input and welcome your comments.

Thanks to all who have worked tirelessly with us over the past four years to make the case for WCCA and our PEG channels.