 Pittsfield Cable Committee OKs RFP to SpectrumA survey to garner information about the city's cable needs closed on April 19 with 355 responses. This is combined with two public hearings, one that had council chambers filled with support for PCTV's services to the community.  Cost, Access to NBCTC High Among Concerns North Berkshire ResidentsOne speaker after another conveyed how critical local access television is to the community and emphasized the need for affordable and reliable services, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly. Spectrum Cable Hearing Set in North AdamsThe 10-year contract with Spectrum/Charter Communications will cover the city of North Adams and the towns of Adams, Cheshire and Clarksburg. PCTV Outlines Asks for New Cable ContractBoard President Sue Doucette and Operations Manager David Cachat laid out the community television station’s requests in the next 10-year contract.  PCTV Applauded at Cable Contract HearingCity officials and community members showed love to Pittsfield Community Television ahead of negotiations for the cable contract. Dalton Cable Advisory Commission Discuss Contract NegotiationsThe commission was re-established to negotiate a new contract with Charter Communications. The last time the town had a contract was in 1997 with Time Warner Cable, which was purchased by Spectrum in 2016.  Pittsfield Anticipates Informal Cable Contract NegotiationsLast week, the panel welcomed Mayor Peter Marchetti and a Spectrum representative to begin a narrative on the city's cable needs. Pittsfield's 10-year contract ends in September. Cable Advisory Committee to Hold Public HearingsThe first hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, March 6 at 6:00p.m. and will take place at City Hall in the Council Chambers located at 70 Allen Street, Pittsfield. Pittsfield Cable Committee Plans Outreach, Next ActionsThe goal is to have a solid document by April, as the city's 10-year contract ends in September. Dalton Cable Advisory Commission Recommends AttorneyDuring the meeting, the commissioners spoke to attorney William Solomon over the phone, during which they reiterated some of their priorities during the negotiation process. Dalton Discusses Options for Cable Contract NegotiationsThe commission was re-established to negotiate a new contract with Charter Communications. Pittsfield Cable Committee to Begin Gathering Input on Spectrum ContractPittsfield Community Television will provide its capital plan by the end of July and the panel will request Spectrum's initial proposal in late June or early July. Once the initial proposal is reviewed, they can present and discuss it with the general public. Pittsfield Cable Committee Seeks Lawyer Funds, Starts Ascertainment PlansThe committee met last Thursday to draft a timeline for its ascertainment, or public input, process.  Pittsfield Cable Committee Recommends Attorney for Spectrum Contract RenewalOn Thursday, the panel recommended Stoneham attorney William Solomon for the city's Spectrum contract renewal. At a rate of $200 per hour, he gave a $19,000 cost estimate and the committee voted to recommend $25,000 for funding to provide a buffer.  Pittsfield Cable Committee to Vote on Spectrum Contract AttorneyBefore September of this year, the committee will gather feedback from the community on what is and is not working with Spectrum and any additional needs. Pittsfield Cable Panel Maps Out Work Before Spectrum TalksAn attorney is being considered to guide the process with a price tag ranging from $7,000 to $14,000 and a subcommittee was created to make an ascertainment schedule for the next nine months. Pittsfield Cable Committee Prepping for Spectrum Contract TalksThe city has less than two years left for its current 10-year contract with with Charter Communications Spectrum. |
