Executive Summary

This proposal is to reestablish a public access television channel in Indianapolis in 1999, along with a new community media access center, both managed by a nonprofit corporation, Public Access of Indianapolis, Inc. (PAI). The purpose of this proposal is to provide a non-discriminatory means for community accessibility to non-commercial video production and cablecasting, which does not currently exist for Indianapolis residents.

A recent study conducted by the Indianapolis Cable Franchise Board indicates that independent, community-based television -- public access TV -- is something that Indianapolis residents think is both valuable and important.

The primary components of this proposal include:

• Activation of the fourth cable television access channel called for in the cable franchise agreements, and designation of it for public access television use
• The establishment of a community media access center with facilities, staff, training and equipment to facilitate the community's video production and playback
• Eventual broad-based funding to augment use of existing cable television franchise fees and equipment grants
• Programming of public access television channel and management of the community media access center by a nonprofit corporation, Public Access of Indianapolis, Inc.

Aside from the direct benefits of having a public access television channel and community media access center, there are other benefits of this particular plan:

• No additional cost to cable subscribers or cable operators
• Maximized flexibility in the use of the fourth cable television access channel since a public access channel can accommodate all types of non-commercial programming, including governmental and educational programming
• Implementation of the public access television management recommendations of the 1994 study commissioned by the Indianapolis Cable Franchise Board

PAI's vision of managing public access TV in Indianapolis is one of accountability, high utilization and quality through community outreach and support services for nonprofit organizations, long-term viability, and fiscal responsibility.