This Holiday Season looks to be the busiest ever for the Cable Access Channel in Menomonee Falls. With new shows, more volunteers, Community Christmas Card participation at an all time high and more schools and churches submitting holiday programming, the daily schedule will stuffed full of goodies, just like Santa's sleigh.
The schedule for the new Mobile Video Van is also filling up. This weekend a crew will be taping the Waukesha Christmas Parade, and next weekend the Falls Parade. Several sporting events and a concert are also on tap. The photo below was taken inside the MVV during a recent Indians football game.
RECENT LEGISLATION
On November 8th the Wisconsin Senate approved AB207 a bill introduced to promote competition amongst video providers, mostly cable and phone companies providing video service. There was a long debate as to whether it will truly help the consumer when presented with more choices. Time will only tell, but my guess is that those people who don't live in an urban hub will still only have one choice, and that provider will no longer have any regulations regarding quality or customer service. In the more populated and affluent areas, customers will be switching services back and forth looking for the best deal and the best service, actually costing them more. (Much like the fee on a balance transfer on your credit card. It may look like 4.9% interest but add the fee and you are back up to 11.9%). A similar bill was adopted in Illinois that was better suited to the public, but Wisconsin choose to go with with the version written by the providers themselves. I watched the entire process of amending the bill while I was working that day. Each amendment relating to consumer protection and community access television was voted down with the exception of a sunset or grace period for the access channels who are losing funding and get this...an amendment to guarantee that cable companies broadcast the Badger games. Didn't realize the Senate was made up of so many Badger alum's.
How will this bill effect Channel 14 in the Falls? Not much at this point. Many communities rely on PEG fees or pass through fees that the cable subscribers pay in addition to their monthly bill. This bill will eliminate those fees in 3 years or when a communities current contract expires before the 3 years. In some cases this accounts for 100% of a stations funding. Many access centers around the state will be forced to close, denying the public access to the video providers system. Our funding comes from franchise fees based on the providers gross receipts. As of right now that shouldn't change but the percentage may change based on the the states idea of franchise fees. Either way, Channel 14 will be providing programming for many years to come. If you are interested in preserving free speech you may want to let the governor know that you oppose this bill as he has yet to commit to signing it. You can email his office at http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/contact.asp and let them know your concern for AB207 and ask that they reconsider the bill adopted by Illinois. Enough on the politics.
COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CARD
For the past 20 some years, the Community Christmas Card has become a beloved tradition in Menomonee Falls. There are 2 sides to this unique program. First there is the entertainment value, whether it is used as background music during gift wrapping and present opening, or just to see the faces and places that make Menomonee Falls special. Secondly there is the taping itself, where all the community service groups, non-profit organizations, youth groups, and village services get together and provide the holiday wishes. It is always a fun 2 nights as people cross paths in and out of the high school studio, sometimes appearing in 2 or 3 group renditions of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas". This year the taping is scheduled for December 4th and 5th at the Access Studio in the high school. If your group is interested in participating in the Community Christmas Card this year, please send me an email at info@fallscableaccess.com . Show the name of the group and the contact info. We will then contact you for scheduling on one of the 2 nights. There is a pretty tight schedule so appointed times are necessary.
SCHOOL AND CHURCH PROGRAMS
If your school or church has a holiday program that they have taped and would like it included in the rotation this Christmas, send a copy (preferably DVD) over to the high school office marked Attention Harry Stoetzel, Channel 14. Provide the name of the program, the name of the school or church and the total running time of the program in minutes and seconds on the outside of the envelope. Also include the contact information for returning the program. Tapes and DVDs will be held for pickup unless they can be discarded.
THIS WEEK ON CHANNEL 14
Morning Story is planning 2 new shows for the holidays for our pre-schoolers here in the Falls. Be sure to watch for them weekdays at 9 am.
FOCUS on Our Children also has 2 new shows in November, visiting with the students involved in Band Revue and checking in with the officers in the DARE program.
Village Voices host Karen Nelson introduces us to the new Chief of Police, Anna Ruzinski and spends time with the Patio Players cast of "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever"
Reel Movie Talk with Matt & Paul is about to come out of hiatus and there will be many new surprises in store.
I Remember... Menomonee Falls gathers around a warm fire to talk about Christmas Past.
As Always... Stay Tuned!
