menuOctober 16, 2019
Learn About Local Races, Current Candidates in Thurston County Through League of Women Voters Forums and TCMedia Video Voters Guide
Thurston Community Media (TCMedia) provides a variety of programs on local election coverage for our community. Stay informed about candidates and the results of local races by watching programs such as The League of Women Voters Candidate Forums, Video Voter’s Guide, and Election Night 2019.
The League of Women Voters of Thurston County (LWV) teamed up with TCMedia to record 11 forums with candidates for Port Commissioner, Olympia city council, Tumwater city council and Lacey city council. The LWV forums are on air now on TCMedia channel 77, on TCMedia’s youtube channel, and Video On-Demand (VOD) service. Online viewers can see the The LWV forums YouTube playlist.
The Video Voter’s Guide features 3-minute messages from current candidates in local races. The completed compilation of candidate messages will air on TCMedia channel 77 in the coming weeks. Viewers can catch them now on TCMedia’s YouTube page and VOD. The Video Voter’s Guide has been produced for the community benefit for more than 20 years. You can find The Video Voter’s Guide playlist on our YouTube channel.
TCMedia also holds live election coverage during the returns. Tune in to channel 77 on Tuesday, November 5th at 8 p.m. for Election Night 2019. “At TCMedia we believe that helping our community learn about candidates and issues is one of our most valuable services,” said TCMedia CEO and Election Night 2019 host Deborah Vinsel. “Election night is the culmination of the community’s involvement in the democratic process and we are proud to bring the results to our viewers.”
Tune in to Thurston Community Media on channel 77, on our VOD, and our YouTube channel. For a complete list of airdates for the LVW Forums, Video Voter’s Guide, or live election coverage, visit the TCMedia website (tcmedia.org).
July 23, 2019
Take Action to Stop Defunding of PEG Channels
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering changes to §621 of the Cable Act of 1984 that impact cable franchising agreements across the nation. The proposed rules change how cable operators compensate local jurisdictions for use of our public rights-of-way. They set a precedent to preempt local control of cable franchises by our local municipalities
Most cable franchise agreements require payment of a franchise fee for use of the public rights-of-way. Cable franchise fees are not a consumer tax and unrestricted for any specific purpose. Cable franchise agreements often help fund media centers and PEG television organizations like TCMedia. They support other essential government services such as public safety and infrastructure.
What's At Stake - Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making on Cable Franchising
What's at Stake - Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making on Cable Franchising from MetroEast on Vimeo.
TCMedia believes that any corporation using public lands should pay for that use. The proposed rules allow cable operators to deduct the value of any in-kind provision negotiated in the franchise contract from the franchise fees paid. This could include the value of the PEG channels and facilities our community relies on. It may mean several million dollars of lost revenue locally. Nationwide, cities and counties stand to lose billions.
How can you help? Visit Petition2Congress to leave your thoughts. We encourage you to send a letter or an email to your elected officials, asking them to contact the FCC, insisting they keep the current rules in §621 of the Cable Act.
You can find contact information for your Thurston County representatives below:
Representative Denny Heck, WA-D (District 10)
- Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Tenino, Rainier, Yelm, Rochester
Representative Jaime Herrera-Beutler, WA-R (District 3)
- Bucoda
June 13, 2019
PSA Day Returns This Fall
For more than 30 years, Thurston Community Media (TCMedia) has provided the media tools, training, technical support, and distribution platforms for local groups to share their stories. We have worked with hundreds of organizations and agencies to help craft effective messages for distribution to their target audience.
Ever thought of becoming a member at Thurston Community Media? Now is a great time to do so for nonprofits. New Organizational Members that join before September 1st could have a professionally crafted public service announcement to air on our channel and for you to use as you like. Organizational Members of TCMedia receive a priority invitation to PSA Day on September 16th. You provide the script, pictures, and logos – we handle the rest.
The perks of membership don’t stop there. For as little as $100 a year, a TCMedia Organizational Members gain access to:
- Use of our equipment and facilities
- Distribution on channels reaching more than 60,000 cable-connected homes
- Low-cost training in digital media tools and technology
- Our cost-effective professional production services
- Consultation on communications planning, social media use and management, technology selection, and system/facilities design
TCMedia believes that community media is a powerful tool for building stronger communities. We invite you to become an Organizational Member and take advantage of the many services we offer to help you share your story with those you serve. Contact us today to become an Organizational Member. Email us at communications@tcmedia.org or give us a call at 360-956-3100.
This opportunity is available to active organizational members once per year. If you have already participated this year, we thank you for your support. Look out for your invitation this summer.