Legislative Advocacy for modernizing the funding streams supporting community television across the state.

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:

• Educate local and state elected officials on the benefits of community television programming and current funding challenges.
• Build a coalition that supports community television programming and legislative reforms that bolster current funding streams and explore new funding opportunities.
• Connect coalition members and elected officials to influence elected officials’ actions.

Resources

• A state-wide strategy supporting MACTA members.
• Informational brochure outlining the benefits of community media, impact on the community, and challenges to the funding structure posed from streaming services.
• Click HERE for MACTA's .pdf informational policy brochure to share with your internal team, your legislators, and potential coalition partners.
• Four funding options to consider when modernizing the funding streams.
• Legislative directory for building a coalition of support.
• Sample bills from other states.
• Future resources to be developed including draft legislation, key messaging, coalition support letter, other collateral materials.

Contacts

Karen George, QCTV/Quad Cities Cable Communications Commission
Jodie Miller, NDC4/Cable Commission
Sam Temple, Northfield Public Broadcasting

Advocacy Email: advocacy@mactamn.org
General Email: info@mactamn.org

MACTA members please log in for members-only information and updates.