Independence Television Community Public Access Township Committee gave the go-ahead for negotiations to continue between the township and Clarkston Community Schools for a combined public access station, but not without questions.
‘This is happening faster than I’m comfortable with,? said committee member Joette Kunse at a Feb. 21 special meeting. ‘It would be helpful to us to see Mt. Clemens, to see how they work.?
The City of Mount Clemens and Mount Clemens Community Schools partner in the Macomb Cable Network. Their public access studio, which is in Mt. Clemens High School, is a model for a new Independence Television, said Pat Kittle, Independence Township supervisor.
There are other options, Kunse said.
‘Last year, I asked the committee about partnering with our neighbors Orion Township, Oxford Township or Waterford Township,? she said. ‘The neighboring townships have found ways to recruit volunteers, train them, film community events and have an audience to watch their shows.?
Kittle is working with school administrators to draft an agreement to form an independent consortium to run Independence Television. Independence Township receives about $200,000 in PEG fees every year, billed to cable television subscribers. If approved, the fees would go to the school district as a capital lease.
Committee members plan to tour the Mt. Clemens studio before making a final decision.
? Phil Custodio