Left In Lowell

LTC does a lot for the community. First and foremost, the municipal channel airs our city government meetings live and in repeats and online. Without that, transparency is all but missing from our modern political process.

It also brings us great local programming (like our new show, Threads) and coverage of the big events in Lowell…the Folk Fest, the City of Lights parade, the various ethnic festivals, and more.

The third pillar of LTC is that it brings its members and even nonmembers classes on media and new media, like how to edit, how to produce a show, and even classes like my web design and Wordpress class (the new Wordpress class is being held this Saturday from 10:30 to 2pm, in case you are interested).

LTC is in the middle of contract negotiations with Comcast, on whom they rely for a large portion of their funding via a small fee levied on your bill. (So small compared to the overly large bill itself, you really can’t notice it.) LTC needs our support to get the best it can from Comcast, so it can continue to do what it does, and even expand.

To that end, the first hearing will be held tonight, Wednesday, March 13, 6:30 PM at Lowell City Hall Council Chambers. The second hearing is April 10, same time and place. You can support LTC by sending a letter to Miran Fernandez, MIS, Chief Information Officer, mfernandez@lowellma.gov.

LTC is looking to have support for its funding (increased funding, as the equipment is very expensive, and it would like to do more) as well as for getting LTC in the digital program guide, providing mirrored stations in the HD range, and giving LTC space on Comcast’s Video on Demand services so that the Lowell community can have access to programming that is relevant to them and local, and that it will be easy to find and watch on their schedule. Imagine being able to get Lowell City Council meetings On-Demand on your TV!

All of those things sound pie in the sky, but we can get them if enough of us demand it. And I will state here and now, if Comcast gives these things in the contract to LTC, I for one will stop bad mouthing them on Facebook and online everywhere. They’d have earned a lot of trust if they show they care about our community in such a way.

Please consider sending a letter, and if you can attend the meetings as a show of support I know it would be appreciated.