UPDATE: Two Sacramento community media nonprofits are in a race against time as they plan a crucial merger amid a funding crisis threatening local media. Access Sacramento and the Sacramento Educational Cable Consortium are combining efforts to secure their future just as county budget projections indicate significant cuts to cable revenue.
The urgency escalates with a critical meeting of the Sacramento Metropolitan Cable Television Commission scheduled for Thursday, September 21, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. The fate of both organizations hinges on whether county officials will agree to maintain funding that supports local channels and student media education.
Recent reports reveal alarming forecasts of revenue declines ranging from 15% to 25%. If these projections hold true, cable revenue could plunge from $8 million next year to just $5 million by 2030, jeopardizing essential media services in the community.
“The recent budget proposal puts our operations at risk. We need this merger to protect our educational programs and local storytelling,” said Joe Barr, Access Sacramento’s board chair.
The merger plan aims to create a single, modern media organization, with the Sacramento Educational Cable Consortium as the principal governing body. This integration is designed to enhance community media services and transition from a cable-centric model to a digital-first approach, focusing on streaming, training, and workforce development.
Both organizations have formally requested the commission to preserve 100% of PEG and operating funding through fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 to ensure continued support for community programming and educational initiatives.
Access Sacramento plays a vital role in the region, operating local channels 17 and 18, offering low-cost media classes, and providing essential resources for neighborhood storytelling. The urgency of this merger reflects a broader struggle to adapt to changing media landscapes and funding challenges.
As the commission meeting approaches, community advocates are encouraged to voice their support for maintaining funding. Public comments can be sent to the commission clerk, Danielle Beshears, emphasizing the need to retain PEG and operating funds during this transitional phase.
This meeting could be a pivotal moment for Sacramento’s public media landscape. Supporters can watch the proceedings on Metro Cable 14 or via the commission’s livestream. The outcome will determine the future of local media and training programs that serve Sacramento’s diverse neighborhoods.
Stay tuned for updates as this critical situation develops. The community’s voice is essential in ensuring that local media remains a vibrant part of Sacramento’s cultural fabric.
