CAN TV’s future still uncertain, meanwhile Comcast relaunching local resource EveryBlock in Chicago

Yesterday the Chicago Tribune reported that Comcast is resurrecting EveryBlock – the local community website that NBC shut down last year because it was not profitable – starting with a Chicago site. EveryBlock looks like a great community resource, but is this just a move to undermine CAN TV in the ongoing franchise negotiations? We certainly hope not, but it does seem like eerie timing to be relaunching this site in Chicago alone. 

Comcast executives are quoted in the article saying that EveryBlock “fits in the company and the localness we have,” despite the site being pulled last year citing “'considerable' financial losses and the lack of a strategic fit with its digital portfolio.” Why is Comcast bringing the site back now of all times? Especially interesting because the article notes that Comcast executives – including Matt Summy, Comcast’s VP for Government Affairs with whom CMA members met last August to talk about the future of CAN TV – “still hasn’t figured out how to make the site profitable.” 

If Comcast is so keen to support “hyperlocal news” and “user contributions,” without a profit motive, they need to look no further than the public’s channels at CAN TV.

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BACP Gets a New Commissioner; Rosemary Krimbel Takes Up New Post

The Commissioner of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, Rosemary Krimbel, will be leaving her post later this month to head a new initiative to modernize and streamline city code, according to a press release from the Mayor’s Office. Her replacement is Maria Guerra Lapacek, from the Mayor’s Office of Legislative Counsel and Government Affairs.

CMA Members with Rosemary Krimbel (third from left) in 2012. 

The Committee for Media Access has had a great working relationship over the years with Ms. Krimbel, and we are sad to see her go.  “We met multiple times with Commissioner Krimbel  to discuss our concerns about the future of CAN TV, and it’s clear that she cares about the public,” said Jake Austen, CMA member.   We thank her for her involvement in the 2012 RCN franchise deal that provided important public benefits to CAN TV.

We look forward to getting to know the new Commissioner, Ms. Guerra Lapacek, and working with her on the Comcast franchise renewal to maintain strong public access television benefits for the people of Chicago.

Best of luck to Ms. Krimbel in her new position, where we are sure she will be just as effective and responsive as she has been during her tenure with BACP. 

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CMA Members Testify at Cable Compliance Hearing

CMA Members Grady Davis and Carole Herhold testified on November 13 at the Cable Compliance Review held by Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Commissioner Rosemary Krimbel and Deputy Commissioner Jim McVane.  Representatives of Comcast, RCN, and CAN TV were also present.

Chicago City Hall

Grady testified that his involvement with CAN TV began in 2007, when Tuskegee Airmen’s Chicago Chapter produced a mini-series.  He continued his involvement after that because he found he really liked working in the medium.

He said, “I’m not speaking for Tuskegee Airmen.  I’m not speaking for CAN TV.  I’m speaking for Grady Davis.  I’m an independent producer committed to doing my best to promote things in my community through my program, ‘Grady’s Notebook.’”  Grady’s show features positive stories from his community, such as an interview he did with Quentin Edwards, a Rhodes Scholar headed for four years of study in Europe. Grady also does a 34th Ward report to record town hall meetings held by Alderman Carrie Austin.  He said, “I’m not on the Alderman’s staff.  I do this because of my concern for the 34th ward.  I live there.”

Grady said that he is concerned about parity and funding for the public’s channels.  He wants to see the training at CAN TV expand and noted the creativity of the local residents that produce programs through CAN TV.  He closed by saying, “I thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today.  I wanted to come and do that in my own words as a proud member of the Committee for Media Access and an independent producer.”

Carole Herhold also testified and noted that Grady had been an inspiration to her as is his program.  As an avid viewer of community programming, Carole noted that she is in the 30% of the populace that are not online at home.  And she is very aware of the importance of reaching people where they are.  Regarding the Comcast renewal she said, “Funding is needed for people and training.  Parity is important.”

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Aldermen State Expectations for Comcast Renewal

CMA members want to commend those Aldermen who voiced their support of CAN TV during the budget hearing for the Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP) on November 7. 

A number of Aldermen spoke up about the Comcast franchise renewal, and said they expect Comcast to match the public benefits agreement provided in the RCN franchise.  BACP Commissioner, Rosemary Krimbel, agreed that is her goal. 

We are also pleased that the Commissioner acknowledged having met with CMA members and said, “All together, we are trying to strengthen and promote community access to local cable television.”

CAN TV has posted this update with more detail about the hearing. 

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