I want to call the attention of all members of WATPA and other interested
parties to a matter of great importance regarding Public Access programming
on TCI Cable Systems of Westchester.
TCI has decided to eliminate the Public Access channel on which programming
is provided on Channel 8 to all the communities it serves.
This TCI Public Access channel has been a valuable part of the Westchester
community for years. It allows diverse groups to prepare non-commercial
programming that is of interest and value to various segments of the
community. TCI Public Access provides them with the opportunity to reach out
through this one central
Public Access channel in a manner they are precluded from through the very
nature of commercial television.
This decision by TCI goes against the entire concept of Public Access that is
at the heart of the arrangements that cable systems make with individual
communities.
I urge all those who are concerned with the subject of Public
Access - so integral in the name and mission of the Westchester Alliance for
Telecommunications and Public Access - to write to TCI and protest this
decision. It should - AND MUST - be canceled.
The person who should be contacted is:
Mr. Miles Rich
TCI Cable of Westchester
609 Westchester Avenue
Mamaroneck, NY 10543
Please take action immediately...time is short.
Norman J. Liss