TITLE
Recommendation to adopt Specifications No. RFP TI 16-041 and award a contract to Long Beach Community Action Partnership, of Long Beach, CA, for the operation of Public Access television in Long Beach, in an amount equivalent to one-third of the Public, Educational and Government funds available each year, for a period of three years, with the option to renew for two additional one-year periods; and authorize City Manager, or designee, to enter into the agreement, including any necessary amendments thereto regarding the term and/or scope of services. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Enactment of the Digital Infrastructure and Video Competition Act of 2006 (DIVCA) marked a major change in the regulation of video service providers in California. Essentially, DIVCA replaced the local franchising process with a State process under the authority of the California Public Utilities Commission. The legislation allowed cable operators to vacate their local franchises. As a result, after January 2, 2009, cable operators were no longer required to provide Public Access facilities, equipment, and staff support for residents to produce programs. DIVCA also entitled local authorities to require cable television franchise holders operating within their jurisdiction to pay a percentage of gross revenues for Public, Educational and Government (PEG) purposes. The PEG fee charged by the City is 1.04 percent of the cable franchise operators’ gross revenue.
On October 11, 2011, the City Council authorized an agreement with Long Beach Community Action Partnership (LBCAP) to operate Public Access television in Long Beach for a period of two years with the option to renew for two additional one-year periods, to be funded by PEG fees. Renewal options were exercised and the contract with LBCAP expired in January 2016.
Public Access Television Update
Since October 2011, when the City Council authorized an agreement with the LBCAP to operate a Public Access Digital Network (PADNET), L...
Click here for full text