11-26-1984 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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THE LEGISLATURE SHOULD ENSURE THAT A DETAILED NEEDS AND USE ANALYSIS BE COMPLETED i0 DETERMINE THE JUSTIFICATION FOR A REGIONAL CHANNEL AND THE TYPE OF PROGRAMMING THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED PRIOR TO EXPENDING SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF PUBLIC FUNDS. C-3 REGIONAL CHANNEL FUNDING AND ORGANIZATION :f after thorough study, it is determined to proceed with development of a regional channel, then certain criteria should �e adhered to as well as some problems resolved. A major controversary exists as to the appropriate funding mechanism for regional channel programming. Many options exist including a subscriber fee, a portion of local franchise fees, a program generator fee, a general metropolitan property tax, or state reimbursement for a state mandate. Very little study has been done to identify which of these or what combination is truly the fairest and most equitable. The structure anj creator of a program entity could take many forms. The form chosen may in fact dictate the type of programming, the financing, and the degree of general public benefit or interest. There is also the question of domination by a single segment of society or type of agency which needs consideration. The State Cable Board has designated a planning group composed of representatives from nearly all segments, public and private, that have some interest in the regional channel. This group is meeting to resolve the above issues. As a guide to the working group, the State Cable Board, and to possible legislation, the AMM recommends that the following be considered: FUNDING SHOULD INITIALLY BE APPROPRIATED BY THE LEGISLATURE FROM A PORTION OF THE 6% SALES TAX REVENUES FROM CABLE SALES TO SUBSCRIBERS SINCE THIS IS A NEW SOURCE OF FUNDS TO THE STATE AND WOULD ENSURE THAT THOSE RECEIVING THE SERVICE ARE PAYING FOR THE SERVICE, THE EXPECTED COST OF $250,000 IS LESS THAN 10% OF THE NEW SALES TAX REVENUE TO BE GENERATED IN THE METROPOLITAN AREA IN THE NEXT YEAR. CONTINUING FUNDING SHOULD BE FROM THE STATE SALES TAX IN CONJUNCTION WITH CONSIDERATION OF SOME FEES OR CHARGES TO THE VARIOUS GROUPS BROADCASTING ON THE REGIONAL CHANNEL. PROPERTY TAX AND FRANCHISE FEES SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS FUNDING ALTERNATIVES. THE REGIONAL CHANNEL ENTITY SHOULD BE A 'NOT FOR PROFIT' ORGANIZATION SIMILAR TO CURRENT PUBLIC TV AND RADIO WITH A BOARD OF DIRECTORS REPRESENTING AND APPOINTED BY THE VARIOUS USER INTERESTS INCLUDING MUNICIPAL AND REGIONAL AGENCIES. IF THIS PREFERRED ORGANIZATION IS NOT ACCEPTABLE, THAN THE LEGISLATURE, SHOULD CONSIDER CREATION OF A COMMISSION WITH APPOINTMENT BY THE