ORCTV and Mattapoisett have worked out a deal for government programming after a year of negotiations.

ORCTV is supported by franchise fees, which are obtained by the towns from cable providers Comcast and Verizon. Cable providers “rent” town property to lay cable, and towns receive five percent of the operating revenue. These funds are then used for Public, Educational and Government access TV channels. “PEG” programming allows residents, schools and government groups to broadcast shows on TV.

Mattapoisett, however, films its own government meetings. Because the town doesn’t use all of ORCTV’s services (unlike Marion and Rochester), it believes it should keep a bigger portion of its voluntary contribution to the station—at least one-third of the town fees.

It currently receives 11 percent.

Town Administrator Mike Gagne announced at the Nov. 22 Board of Selectmen meeting that Mattapoisett would receive 30 percent of franchise fees, which comes a year after an extension to an expired contract was made. An additional one-ninth in capital funds will be used for equipment maintenance.

ORCTV will retain the other 70 percent for filming in Marion and Rochester.

Gagne added the town received $108,000 last year.

“We will do all general government and school committee meetings,” Gagne said. “I think it was a good comprise. I think we can fulfill our objective and provide comprehensive meeting programming.”

ORCTV executive director Kim Miot said the town would receive in the area of $35,000.

She did not know if any programs would be cut due to the budget constraints.
“It’s been a year of on-and-off discussions,” Miot said. “I’m glad the process is over and we can move forward.”