One of the founding principles here at LexMedia is that the Lexington community is entitled to a voice. LexMedia serves to empower and amplify that voice by providing an outlet for creative expression. This week, we proudly participate in two nationally recognized holidays: Community Media Day and Free Speech Week.
Community Media Day takes place annually on October 20th, and is a celebration of community voices across the country that help to raise awareness about the importance of free speech and accessible media. Free Speech Week takes place from October 21st to 27th, and is an annual, non-partisan celebration of freedom of speech and of the press.
Freedom of speech is the heart of community media. It allows community members to have a creative outlet and can express their ideas on a town-wide platform. This year alone, since January, LexMedia has provided coverage of 170 town government meeting, produced programming about the climate strike walkout, documented the protest against gun violence, broadcasted football touchdowns, captured lectures and educational talks, and so much more.
Our coverage of the student Climate Strike Walkout on September 20th.
#Enough is an award-winning activist short about the March 15th student protest against gun violence.
On October 24th, we are hosting an Open House from 7pm to 8:30pm. Stop by and learn about what we offer to the community, meet our staff, and tour our facility. Click here for more information about the Open House.
Thank you to our members and supporters. Without the ongoing support of our community, the work we do at LexMedia would not be possible.
Unfortunately this year, community media and the services they provide communities has come under attack.
Since the 1980s, cable companies, such as Verizon and Comcast, have offered local communities free access channels as part of their contracts – the cost of which is covered by franchise fees paid to the local communities. Local government coverage (PEG channels) allows transparency so communities can monitor local government actions and stay informed. In August, the FCC ruled to change the current guidelines related to cable franchising fees, potentially defunding PEG access channels.
This new ruling allows cable companies to set values for the free access and subtract that amount from the franchise fee, essentially cutting funding to local access stations. LexMedia’s Executive Director, Florence DelSanto, spoke with James Sanna about the impact Lexington could face given the ruling earlier this year.
There is some hope. This week, the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors, along with other municipal associations, filed a motion to stay its cable franchising order. The Alliance for Community Media continues to advocate for community media, and plans to take legal action against the FCC later this fall if they reject the stay.
