In the T&G online commentary, some fan , who apparently loves me from a distance, wrote some derogatory comments about "Mauro". I am not that important nor do I think anyone else is that important that it should matter what is said about me. I believe I know where my heart is. I feel however there is a possibility that the intent of comment may not really be about me, it may be about distracting people from the truth. Be aware everyone. While pointing fingers at me the truth is lost in the dust. That is a popular tool spin doctors use. It is called vilifying an opponent. Yes Mauro "works" for WCCA TV. Mauro receives a paycheck for his work at WCCA TV too. How many people in the U.S.A go to work and receive a paycheck? I volunteered for years at WCCA prior to an invitation to become the Executive Director. Part of my work is to advocate for the "people's channel", and that includes to speak out when I see something threatening to the public access process or the "mission" of the station. WCCA is an open forum available to everyone.

Before making false statements about subject matter and commentators who participate on this page, or any editorial page, try learning some facts. If you want to see what WCCA or I stand for, watch the channel or visit wccatv.com. WCCA is NOT a part of the city or Charter Communications. WCCA is a non profit institution.
My position on this subject has nothing to do with defending Charter. If you read some of my blogs or other editorials and even comments below you should see that.

Charters high rates have less to do with local franchise fees than it does other programming cost including to run CTR TV 3 and it's news program ( which cost more than WCCA by the way.) Franchise fees are based on a percentage of gross revenues, profits the cable company made. Do away with PEG access and the profits go into Charter's pockets instead of back to the community. There is no law forcing the cable company to pass the franchise fees on to their subscribers. In Fact, WCCA fought against that ten years ago during the ascertainment process. I have called for more legislation to mandate cable and phone company compliance, to allow cities to enforce compliance issues and to regulate rates, as well as to guarantee support for INET and PEG channels.

I am grateful for my earnings I receive at work. I am thankful to all who work to make OUR WCCA station a success. I include in my thanks the city administration and the council as well as WCCA volunteers and staff. WCCA is a team effort. Whether or not anyone at WCCA is “well paid” for the good work they do may be arguable. Self interest is not why most of us are in the business of non-profit community media. Many people are employed in public access centers across the state. I know them to be fine, good hearted, committed to media democracy and selfless. No one is making anything near Verizon’s upper management I can assure you. Another thing, I wish more people would not be so afraid to add their name to their comments. To the detractors anonymous I say, be a person (man or woman)enough to place your name with your comment. This subject is to big to become a personal issue. Get over me and stick to what is really important.
Mauro DePasquale