Friends -- Senate Bill 1068 passed the NC Senate on July 17 by a 49-0 vote! But
we face an uphill battle in the NC House. This is the bill that will help fund
public access TV statewide. It also provides funding for rural broadband
build-out...

A statewide effort is underway in the N.C. General Assembly to secure funding for URTV and other public access TV operations around North Carolina...

SB-1068 "Talking Points"

The North Carolina Coalition of Community Media Centers was formed in response to a statewide video franchise law passed in 2006 by the N.C. General Assembly.

NCCCMC is comprised of nonprofit organizations that believe local communities should have the right to determine their Digital Media futures with telecommunications companies using our public right of ways (PROWs).

Historically, local governments have used the local cable franchise negotiation to secure funding for public, education and government (PEG) access TV channels and facilities. With the local franchise eliminated and replaced by a statewide franchise, NCCCMC works to ensure that revenue from the statewide franchise continues to support Community Media Centers (PEG facilities) and the extension of affordable broadband Internet service to rural and low-income communities.

Community Media Centers (CMCs) are critical training grounds for young people seeking careers in the Digital Media Economy, and they serve as valuable incubators for media entrepreneurs working to create programming for regional and national distribution. In short, CMCs are essential keystones for local communities seeking to develop a Digital Media Economy.

Here's a few frequently asked questions about statewide video franchising:

• What is PEG Access?