Hoffman Estates passes resolution to protect local TV programming

The Hoffman Estates village board passed a resolution Monday urging Congress to support an act that would protect local television programming in the village and across the country.

The Community Access Preservation Act, which is sponsored by Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, a Wisconsin Democrat, and Congressman Steven Latourette, an Ohio Republican, addresses the threats local Public Educational and Government Access channels, including Hoffman Estates TV Channel 6, face due to recent state provisions.

“It’s very important to keep these (channels),” said Mayor William McLeod before the board unanimously voted yes. “I strongly support this resolution.”

Community Access Television Coordinator Bruce Anderson noted that in some states, including Michigan and Texas, PEG stations no longer exist due to lack of funding or carriage requirements.

He added that several states, including Illinois, have passed statewide franchises in recent years for cable and video providers. Some states have removed requirements for those providers to make PEG channels available, while others moved PEG channels to unattractive channel numbers in the 900s.

If it passes, the act will allow municipalities to require that PEG channels be provided on the basic channel tier without charge as part of their franchise obligations.

It will also allow PEG funding provided by cable companies to be used by municipalities for both the capital and staffing needs of the channel and ensure subscribers receive the channels without needing additional equipment.

In Hoffman Estates, Channel 6 televises village board meetings, high school sports and concerts, and Chicago Express hockey games, among other programs.