Local Access Channel  

The "LC" Local Channel 11
        Advertise on The "LC":: (sample ads)
        Sample Video Clip:: (must have Windows Media Player to view)
                                    :: (get Windows Media Player)
::RUC Local Channel Content...
::Local Church Services Ch.11
::School Lunch Menus Ch.11
::Sauk County Humane Society adoptable animals Ch.11
::Advertise your business on Ch.11

The Reedsburg Channel 12
::School & Civic Events/Activities Ch.11 & 12
::Community Calendar Ch.12

I. What is Local Access Television?

 A.) Public, Educational, Governmental access television channels on cable television systems that serve a wide range of community groups. The PEG provisions of the Cable Act are intended to provide all members of the community with access to the medium of television. Indeed, PEG is the only way that average citizens and community groups have assured access to communicate to their community via television. Particularly in this era of mass media consolidation, PEG access ensures that locally-produced programming, of interest to and tailored to the particular local needs of the community, has an outlet on television. 

B.) There become four general types of cable access known as PEG (short for public, educational, and government access) and cable company-produced LO (Local Origination). Municipalities have a broad spectrum of franchise agreements with cable television service providers. Depending on the size of the community and their contractual agreement the PEG and LO channels may take many forms. Large communities often have a separate organization for each PEG type, smaller communities may have a single organization that manages all three. Because each organization will develop its own policies and procedures, constituent services differ greatly between communities

C.) It is  important to recognize that in the current national and global media landscape it is nearly impossible for average citizens to place their ideas and opinions on television. Public access organizations have often adopted more action-oriented roles in their respective communities to serve as possibly one of the last venues for local and community oriented programming to be seen and heard. Many organizations serve as protectors of the right to free speech and the value the specific diversities of their constituents , many also strive to include the under-served and under-represented segments of their city or town residencies.

D.) Services available at public access organizations are often low cost or free of charge, with an inclusive, content neutral, first-come, first-served, free speech ideology. Monies from cable franchise fees are used to operate the facilities, employ staff and trainers, develop curriculum, operate training workshops, schedule and maintain equipment, produce programming, manage the cablecast of shows and publish promotion materials to build audiences.

E.) Users of public access stations may participate at most levels of this structure to make content that is meaningful and reflective of their experience within their communities.

F.) Many public access channels carry primarily locally produced programs while others also carry regionally or nationally distributed programming.

G.) Among other things, PEG provides:
     1.) Church Organizations
     2.) Coverage of local cultural activities, particularly in smaller communities
          that do not receive commercial media attention. Examples include
          coverage of local historical, art and music events.
     3.) The ability to maintain the local cultural identities of our town, cities,
          and counties. Examples include the coverage of local high school
          football games, local parades and other civic events
     4.) Local governmental programming- coverage of city/town/county
          council meetings, and local police, fire and public safety programming.
     5.) Local education programming
     6.) Technical training and jobs
     7.) News for military families

 II. Benefits to the Community:

A.) How the community can be involved:
a.) Schools can communicate news and information and air playbacks of sporting events and school related activities.
b.) Students can explore filmmaking and television production as possible career choices.
c.) Nonprofits can promote their programs and services using a free media outlet.
d.) Individuals can use it as a media tool for their civic, creative, political and educational activities.
e.) Government can broadcast important information and air City Council meetings.