MACTA regularly works with local legislators to craft legislation that addresses issues related to PEG stations. As specific bills become available, they will be posted here.
Join us for the 2026 MACTA Day at the Captiol on March 18th!
MACTA members and partners, please join us for MACTA Day at the Capitol on Wednesday, March 18, hosted at the League of Minnesota Cities. The event will begin at 9 a.m., with the agenda dependent on speaker availability. Additional details will be shared as they are confirmed.
This annual gathering provides an opportunity for MACTA members and stakeholders to come together for a briefing on the latest developments at the Minnesota Legislature and coordinate our advocacy efforts. We will review the current legislative climate, discuss MACTA's outreach and advocacy strategy for the session, and provide an overview of the bills most relevant to community media.
Topics will include legislation related to the Minnesota State High School League and the ability of community stations to cover high school sports, the current status of broadband franchising statewide, and MACTA's ongoing efforts to modernize and strengthen state policy. MACTA's legislative team will also provide guidance on effective communication with legislators, including talking points and background materials for member meetings.
Following the briefing, participants are encouraged to walk to the Senate Office Building and the Centennial Office Building to meet with their legislators according to their own schedules. MACTA members will be available to assist with scheduling meetings in advance or accompanying attendees to visits if helpful.
Please note there are new screening procedures in place in the Capitol building. Due to security measures in the Centennial Office Building, members will need to make an appointment with their representative, check in, and be escorted by elevator to the representative's office. Because of the hassle, several representatives are scheduling alternative places for meetings, like the cafeteria space or the Capitol Rotunda. In short, please schedule an appointment with your legislators before Capitol Day so you can successfully navigate these challenges at be at your appointments on time.
Please RSVP in advance so we can ensure we have enough refreshments and printed materials available for attendees.
Goals
The goal of this work plan is to increase awareness for the value of public, educational, and governmental (PEG) cable television channels prior to the 2024 legislative session through a robust awareness and advocacy campaign. Specific work plan tactics include the creation of key messages, informational brochure on funding, collateral materials, collaboration with potential coalition partners, and member-led advocacy.Strategy
As the Minnesota Association of Community Television Administrators (MACTA) develops its specific legislative asks in the coming year(s), it would be best supported by a robust advocacy strategy aimed at:- Connect coalition members and elected officials to influence elected officials' actions.
- Build a coalition that supports community television programming and legislative reforms that bolster current funding streams and explore new funding opportunities.
- Educate local and state elected officials on the benefits of community television programming and current funding challenges.
Contacts
The Legislative Policy Committee is co-chaired by Karen George, Quad Cities Cable Commission, Shannon Slatton Schwartz, CCX Media, and Sam Temple, Faribault Community Television. If you, or your agency, are a member of MACTA, you are encouraged to join the LPC. For more information on the LPC, please contact MACTA at info@mactamn.org.Advocacy Email: advocacy@mactamn.org
General Email: info@mactamn.org
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Click here to download MACTA's informational policy brochure
