NEWBURYPORT — A public hearing will be held on Thursday, October 10, 2024, in Newburyport to discuss the renewal of the city’s cable contract with Comcast Corporation. The hearing will take place at 7 p.m. at the Senior Community Center.
According to a statement from Mayor Sean Reardon’s office, the hearing will provide an opportunity for residents to share their input on future cable-related needs and review Comcast’s performance under its current 10-year license. This agreement generates over $350,000 annually, most of which supports NCM Hub, Newburyport’s local media outlet that delivers TV, radio, and streaming programming. NCM Hub also provides vital access to government meetings, local news, and shows that highlight the city’s unique community.
Throughout the contract term, Comcast has contributed $305,000 in capital improvements. The City is considering upgrading its meeting rooms with hybrid equipment to facilitate simultaneous Zoom and NCM Hub broadcasts, as current technology struggles with reliable audio and video capture.
The hearing will be conducted in accordance with Massachusetts Cable Law and state regulations, which limit the City’s ability to deny a properly filed license renewal. With the rise of streaming services, community access programming has faced financial challenges. Public support for these services could strengthen the City’s position as it negotiates the renewal.
Residents are encouraged to attend and contribute to shaping the future of Newburyport’s cable services.
The hearing will be held in compliance with Massachusetts Cable Law (M.G.L. c. 166A, sec. 13) and regulations from the state Department of Telecommunications and Cable (207 C.M.R. 3.05), the mayor’s office said in its statement.
