Please pass along,
It may surprise you to know that the upcoming renewal of the Comcast franchise is important to Arts and Culture organizations like yours. I can assure you it is.
As part of the current Franchise Agreement with Comcast, Public, Educational and Government TV channels receive significant support without charge. In addition, Arlington County was able to connect the new Artisphere to a high speed fiber network in part because of the Comcast agreement.
The more we know about the needs of Arlington County, the better the next Comcast franchise agreement will be.
In addition to the announcement below, I have attached a description of what we are trying to do, and a referral to a website to sign up if you are interested in attending an Arlington Needs Analysis Focus Group.
Please feel free to pass it on to anyone else you think would be interested.
We are hoping we can get as many pro-active leaders in the community as we can to address this vital, but rare opportunity.
It’s not just about TV anymore. It is about community.
Thank you for your support.


Comcast Franchise Focus Groups
It’s Not Just About TV Anymore…
In June of 2013, the current agreement between Comcast and the County for Cable TV service expires. The County is currently in a process of renewal with the company. The County receives a number of benefits in terms of revenue, studio equipment and support for the Public, Educational and Government TV Stations. The first step in this process is to establish the needs of the Arlington Community.
It’s About…
Building community through television, media and technology
Access to media service for everyone regardless of economic situation
Updated and improved media and video production facilities for use by schools, youth, community and neighborhood groups … by you!
Classes for youth and adults in using media and TV production tools
Distance learning and telecommunications
Opportunities for live broadcast capability from locations around the County
New ways of creating, using and distributing media for our educational community
Local TV by, for and about the people of Arlington: whatever the issue, whatever the celebration, and whatever the need!
Please consider attending at least one of 8 focus group meetings in June about the upcoming Comcast franchise renewal in the interest of the Arlington Community. The Focus Group for Arts, Culture, Music and Heritage is at 6:30pm, June 21, 2011, at the Arlington Independent Media Studio 2701 Wilson Blvd. #C.
We could also use your help before the June meetings in:
• Identifying additional Arlington County participants who could provide input at the focus group meetings in June.
• Encouraging attendance at the focus group meetings through follow-up contacts.
You may enroll in these FREE focus groups before June 15 at www.arlingtonva.us (Search "Cable"), If you have any questions, contact Rob Billingsley, Cable Administrator, (Rbillingsley@ArlingtonVa.US) or telephone (Office -703.228.3195 or Cell- 571.237.1309)




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