Archer, the Executive Director of 1623 Studios in Gloucester said, “The FCC issue feels like a fight,” during a phone interview. Archer said other past challenges and even some of the more contemporary issues like cord cutting have been different. “Cord cutting is a market trend and the industry needs to adapt.” Archer feels the FCC rule change (Docket NR 05-311) combined with the recent effort to eliminate net neutrality are a way of targeting poor people and their access to information.
The FCC is proposing to redefine what a franchise fee is – and it will radically reduce the level of monetary support available to run PEG access channels across the United States.
As we all know, PEG access channels provide government coverage that allows transparency so citizens can monitor local government actions – something vital to the health of local democracy.
Searching for a positive contribution to the cause, Archer decided to channel his anger into spearheading a documentary video project. He hired Foz McDermott as a full time producer and along with a director of photography and the crew started interviewing community media professionals about the issue. Archer is also hoping to talk to key lawmakers who support community media like U.S. MA Senator Ed Markey. Markey helped write the original cable act and sent a letter in opposition to the FCC proposal.
Archer said if there is a silver lining to the situation it’s that as an industry we’ve been, “kicked out of the bike lane onto the highway.” He sees this as an urgent call to grow and “make improvements to stay relevant.” Providing maker spaces, podcasting facilities and embracing new technologies like virtual reality along high quality production will help keep media centers vital in the community.
The production is nearing completion and will be made available for distribution through Facebook. A download link will be provided to the ACM and Mass Access for stations to air it on their local channels as well.