Change the way we think about charities, including WCCA TV 13 “The People’s Channel” (a non-profit charitable Organization)

Not too long ago, during a discussion about WCCA’s community media needs assessment report, I pointed out the justification for the city to consider allocating an increase PEG ( Cable Franchise License funding, money that is not tax money )operations and capital funding to support WCCA TV 13 ( non-profit and charitable public access / community media) programs and creative space. I paused for a reaction and one of the persons there, a notable person, said “..if the community wants to see WCCA TV expand, they [the community] should pay for it.” How demoralizing I took that sentiment to be. Not for me but for the community we serve.

You can < href=”http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pallotta_the_way_we_think_about_charity_is_dead_wrong.html”> cut to the chase or read on.

Funding to support Public, Education and Government (PEG) Cable channels does not come from City tax coffers, it comes from a percentage of gross annual revenues made by the Franchise license agreements made with cable and phone companies, money generated from cable and phone gross profits is used to support our PEG channels. Unlike the E&G of PEG, WCCA’s mission is to empower all who live in Worcester , especially the disenfranchised.

Let’s face it if you are a CEO of a large corporation, a Mayor, or A City Manager, or a rich super star, you have no problem getting TV exposure. The majority of the people WCCA TV serves are middle class, non-profit organizations, youth groups, and the poor. You are strapped all ready, how are YOU or these organizations going to pay to sustain these channels and programming?

If commercial for profit Television was sustainable, in Worcester, from an economic business perspective, don’t you think a major affiliate would have already set up camp here by now?

The center of thought behind the congressional CABLE ACT/Telecommunication ACT was to provide a means for the communities, especially the disenfranchise, or otherwise cut off from broadcast spectrum, to access broadband channels.

As an institution for media democracy and creative innovation, WCCA TV provides that access along with the tools and technology and education, needed to level the playing field and empower you. To enable you to participate in a free flow of news, information, views and opinions in a free speech platform. FREE of corporate retribution and Government whim. Media in the hands of the PEOPLE to build community and to transform our lives for the better, to reflect their true interest.

People may forget WCCA TV 13 is a non-proift charitable organization. It’s time we think about how systemically connected this community anchor institution is and why it exist and should be properly supported. WCCA TV stands for

I’ve been singing this song for 26 years. I should not have to be. I invite everyone to consider listening to this video:
< href=”http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pallotta_the_way_we_think_about_charity_is_dead_wrong.html”> THE WAY WE THINK ABOUT CHARITY . It’s time for a change a real social innovation.