PPMtv says it will close if Portsmouth doesn't provide more funds

PORTSMOUTH — Leaders from Portsmouth Public Media Television Inc. are lobbying the City Council to change how much money the organization gets from the city’s federally mandated cable franchise fees.

Alexis Mason, the president of PPMtv’s Board of Directors, called the city’s policy regarding the allocation of the fanchise fee “outdated.”

Under the terms of the policy, she said in a recent letter to the City Council, the city takes $360,000 from the cable franchise fee and allocates “the remainder to PPMtv.”

The public access television station needs more of that money to survive, PPMtv supporters and officials say.

“This year, PPMtv’s anticipated funding from the cable franchise fees was reduced to only $86,000,” Mason said.

PPMtv needs more money from city or it will close

“Such a loss cannot be mitigated by fundraising on a scale which will allow PPMtv to remain operational.”

“If the City Council policy is not reevaluated regarding these funds, PPMtv will, after 14 years of serving as Portsmouth’s television podium, close its doors,” she added.

PPMtv officials are scheduled to make a presentation to the City Council about the issue at Tuesday’s council meeting. They are asking for the city’s policy about the federally mandated Cable Franchise Fees to be “reviewed and revised” so they have a larger share of the proceeds.

In a petition, PPMtv supporters state that the public access TV station “only gets a small portion” of the cable franchise fee proceeds “with the city of Portsmouth taking a large amount of the franchise fee to add to their general fund.”

“By denying PPMtv the necessary funds, we are missing out on a significant opportunity for community outreach, creative endeavors, and local news reporting,” the petition states. “PPMtv plays a vital role in showcasing locally generated content, informing and entertaining the community, and creating a platform for open dialogue.”

Community programming 'important to Portsmouth'

During a recent council meeting, resident Barbara Ward, who serves on PPMtv’s board, said the station’s “programming has been important to Portsmouth” since it began broadcasting in 2011.

“Since its inception the station has been an incredible resource for underserved communities,” she said. “I think this is something that is not fully recognized by people in Portsmouth.”

Ward pointed to the benefit Portsmouth High School students have received from receiving “courses and internships” through PPMtv.

Jake Webb, the studio operations manger of PPMtv, said he interned at the station while in high school in 2014, which led him to a career in filmmaking.

Student interns at PPMtv “have a tremendous experience with us … and it’s life-changing,” he told the council.

“Investing in public television is investing in our community members, our education and our democracy,” he said. “It’s a resource that deserves our support and our pride.”

Tuesday’s meeting is scheduled at 7 p.m. at City Hall in council chambers.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: PPMtv says it will close if Portsmouth doesn't provide more funds