A February 25, 2008 conversation with Worcester City Manager Michael O'Brien, mostly about the foreclosure crisis.

Video: Download the mp4 video (39MB) or see other formats.

A January 28, 2008 interview with Worcester City Manager Michael O'Brien.

Video: Download the mp4 video (72MB) or see other formats.

An October 29, 2007 conversation with Worcester City Manager Michael O'Brien.

Video: Download the mp4 video (76MB) or see other formats.

At last night's City Council meeting, Councilor Petty asked City Manager O'Brien when the city would have a new, long-term cable contract with Charter. The City Manager said he thought it would be within "45-60 days."

WCCA gets most of its funding via terms in the cable contract, and in 2007 has been unable to make any long-term committments with its financial future so unclear.

To listen to an mp3 of the conversation, click here.

I wrote a blog back on May 7th titled WCCA Matters
and here we are today, past mid September, finding ourselves still in the dark regarding the future of true public access in the city of Worcester. We try to remain hopeful but nothing has changed except that we have received a second extended contract. A contract which is short equipment and facility funds that Charter originally agreed to in 1997. That means it appears that WCCA is being short changed. WCCA needs to desperately replace and upgrade nearly all of it's equipment.
We could use words of encouragement.

I am asking those who utilize this station, those who believe in free speech and independent media, those who believe in participation, those who believe that empowering citizens with do it yourself participatory media , those who believe that providing a relevant free flow of information is important to a community, to all join together to take a stand and write a letter (or another letter) of support or perhaps an editorial commending WCCA for the work our staff and volunteers are doing.

Many of you have already written such letters. We appreciate it very much but it is apparent more is needed.

Thank you
Mauro

We applaud the Colleges of Worcester Constorium on their new video aiming to attract youth to Worcester.

In today's T&G we read an article about the new four minute video produced by the Worcester Consortium. The video was also posted on YouTube and will hopefully end up also on WCCA TV's channel and web site as well.

The T&G informs us that technical production credits go to RDW Group, Inc. a commercial firm based in Worcester, Boston and Providence. The work started with a grant of $125,000 from the Mass Office of Travel and Tourism.

I believe the price tag of $125,000 for one four minute video highlights the value of WCCA TV/Public Access everywhere.

If a four minute video cost $125,000 can you imaging the value WCCA TV returns to the community without burden to the tax payer? Hmmm, let's see, That would be 4min X 15 (for each hour production) X 125K = $1,875,000 per hour, X times 123 hours per week (the amount of programs presented on WCCA TV 13) = $230,625,000 PER WEEK BACK TO WORCESTER.

There is a little perspective for you. THAT'S VALUE BABY!!!

You are Welcome.

We learned from reading this morning's Telegram that the City of Worcester has signed another six month extended franchise agreement with Charter.
We have contacted the city today and as soon as we can find out more we will keep you updated.
WCCA TV 13 has been serving the city's public access needs since 1986.
We look forward to seeing the city fulfill community needs as expressed in the ascertainment reports, city wide surveys, testimony and to the tremendous community and citizen support and appeals that have were recently made in favor of WCCA's funding and additional channel capacity.
We look forward to learning what the intentions of the city will be relative our future in Worcester. Keep reading the paper if you hear anything let us know.
We will keep you updated as we uncover more.
Thanks again, for your letters of support, volunteer help,and inspirational support.

Video: Download the mp4 video (77MB) or see other formats. You can subscribe via Democracy and see all WCCA videos as they are posted.

Audio: Download the mp3 or see other formats.

Thanks to everyone who sent in questions for Soapbox.
Today we shot about eight episodes.
I presented the City Manager with some of your questions, so please be sure to tune in and hear what the city manager has to say about the city budget issues, the airport, street sweeping and more.
Only on WCCA TV 13, "The People's Channel"

Thanks for your participation and support,
Mauro

WCCA is producing Soapbox this Monday, May 21, 2007.

I invite YOUR questions, to be directed to the City Manager O'Brien and or Madame Mayor Lukes.

We have extended the time for submissions so please write them in the form of a "comment" to this story TODAY.

Please sign in it will make it easier for us to include your question.

Thanks
Mauro