Think, Christiansburg! has lamented the Town of Christiansburg doesn't record its public meetings nor broadcast these along with other public service announcements (PSAs). Unlike the county's Board of Supervisors, the Town of Blacksburg, Pulaski County and town, and the City of Radford.
Why hasn't Christiansburg Town Council provided this service, as have other localities when negotiating and awarding cable franchises? Has Council delegated this authority or has it been involved in these contract decisions?
It could be because some public officials have stated citizen participation -- including making video recordings -- is intimidating. While not understanding why open government in a democratic society is perceived by some as a negative, Christiansburg residents deserve a WTOC channel. To underscore that it can be done, and done by one persistent person, see MyVAResources to view the video archives created by a Christiansburg resident.
A WTOC would be another means of interacting with and informing residents, using much of the same information which may already be found at the town's website or sent out as press releases. It would encourage community awareness of scams or safety issues, while building participation and support for civic or non-profit events.
Blacksburg's WTOB includes online video and podcasts 24/7 to make it easier for residents to stay informed according to their own schedules, rather than simply when public meetings are set. WTOB is provided via that town's cable franchise, Comcast. WTOB broadcasts Montgomery County government meetings, too.
Radford and Pulaski, however, have their public information channels through the same franchise Christiansburg residents get cable from -- Jet Broadband. There appears to be a non-payment of fees issue between the franchise holder and the City of Radford, but even if their smaller market area is awarded to another provider it's expected a PSA channel would still remain a requirement. There's a payment of about $53,000 being disputed.
Heck, in Christiansburg's budget, "Public Service Franchise" fees for the entire year only equate to $140,000 in revenue -- and this might include awarded contracts for exclusive product sales at town facilities, such as one which generated $17,000 to help fund the town's Skatepark or another where there was a question about whether a payment of $10,000 had been made.
In Christiansburg, just one store alone -- which purchased a business license from the town, but "didn't think" it had to add on the town's cigarette tax -- is now "negotiating" a payment somewhere in the neighborhood of $50,000. (That may explain why the last budget for cigarette taxes amounted to $680,000 but this year's estimated revenues are down to $630,000 -- or maybe that many more people are adopting healthier ways, and kicking the habit.)
Is it possible that a cable franchise is worth more than $140,000 a year, since it provides a company exclusive territory for customers who want this service (instead of rabbit ears or satellite)? Christiansburg's market is certainly larger than either Radford or Pulaksi's.
Is it possible franchise fees should be closer to what is generated from a "per pack" tax on a habit forming drug? If you get cable, be sure to check your invoice -- we think you'll find you are paying taxes on top of franchise costs which are passed on to customers. What about internet service providers and cell phone companies -- are there franchises awarded for this, too?
Is it possible Christiansburg could -- if Council desired -- require a WTOC for public service announcements for town residents?
NOTE: Read a related Roanoke Times editorial supporting cable competition in the NRV.