by Keith Thibault (9/11/2015) ACM national website
The ACM National Board met in person at the National Conference on August 11. Our next meeting via conference call will be September 15. I will have a more updated report following that meeting. Briefly in the meantime:
Public Policy The FCC is still welcoming comments as it looks at regulating over the top (OTT) video, also known as Multichannel Video Program Distributor (MVPD). It is imperative that the FCC continue to classify this as a “video service” ensuring franchise fee collection by local municipalities. ACM leadership has put together a sample letter that your access center and local officials can tailor to send to the FCC Commissioners on this issue. ACM members can contact the national office for the template and instructions. Please share this with other members in your states.
The FCC will soon start the comment process on the Charter/Time Warner/Brighthouse merger. More information will be forthcoming on how to file comments in that case.
Communications At the National Conference the ACM launched a new promotional video extolling the virtues of community media. It has been well received and is available to air on your stations. The video can be downloaded on Archive.org. It can also be seen on YouTube. Archive.org also has alternate versions in shorter lengths. These allow stations the ability to add their own branding.
National Board Election Voting to elect three seats on the National Board was completed in mid-September; results have not yet been announced at this writing. Up for re-election are Alan Bushong, Lonni Moffet, and Dan Coughlin. Also running are Rory O’Farrell (Truckee Tahoe Community TV) and Brian Scott (Berkeley Community TV).