For democracy to flourish, people must be educated to think critically and become active participants in their government.  Communications networks which use the public rights-of-way and public spectrum must provide the means and support for that participation through community uses of media.

Public, educational, and government (PEG) access channels and centers have been part of the regulatory framework for cable television since 1972, playing a key role in providing a diversity of viewpoints and ideas at the local level.

ALLIANCE MEMBERS TELL THE FCC THAT PEG ACCESS QUALITY AND AVAILABILITY MATTERS, AND THAT THE LAW SHOULD BE ENFORCED

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 6, 2009) - Alliance for Community Media members and supporters from 36 states responded in force to the FCC’s request for comments regarding the Petitions for Declaratory Ruling filed in January, 2009. Over 700 responses came from a wide variety of sources, including local community organizations, media reform organizations, non-profit associations, city governments, and individuals.

The Alliance for Community Media has consistently been in the forefront of those advocating for community media in the state houses, in the Congress, and in the courts. In 2006 we joined with many other organizations in the successful effort to block federal legislation (the so-called COPE bill) aimed at ending local municipalities’ authority to issue cable franchises. This legislation would have reduced the number of PEG access channels in the US, and would have slashed the funding for many of those that remained.