05/23/2021
It is with great sadness that I must inform you the powers that be inside City Hall have indeed terminated the Operating Rights Agreement and associated property lease with Cheshire TV. As such, we will no longer be managing or scheduling the content that the community has enjoyed for over 15 years on channels 1301 and 1302, formerly 8 and 10. Public Access to the studio and production equipment, with which we have worked together to create thousands of hours of incredibly diverse and meaningful local content, will also no longer be handled by CTV.
It remains uncertain at this time who or if anyone will carry the torch from here. Obviously we are extremely concerned for the future of Public Access, not just here but across the nation. Wherever they are not purposely protected, PEG channels face continual attack by those who would question the value a non-commercial, untamed, independent outlet for free speech, and who would suggest its meager funding might be repurposed for common things each time budget season rolls around. Our own fight has been going since the very beginning as well, sometimes in the light, and always in the background. Eventually, as the long game is played steadily, quietly, such efforts will succeed.
I sincerely hope the good people of Keene will watch closely, contact their representatives, get involved, insist upon good stewardship and, most importantly, use your voices - your Constitutionally Protected Right to Free Speech - whenever and wherever necessary in order to affect positive change in this world.
It has been our distinct honor and great pleasure to serve both Keene and the greater community in so many fun, exciting, interesting ways over the years. Be well, friends, and do good work!
