Town Negotiating New Cable TV Deal
Rebecca Leonard
News Staff Writer
TEMPLETON Selectmen are discussing a new cable contract with Comcast, this time with more of a focus on how it could benefit the Narragansett Regional School District.
Interim Town Administrator Bob Markel explained to the board on Monday students could benefit from an education channel, as well a government channel.
In previous meetings, Mr. Markel said they might also be able tap into presentations offered by Mount Wachusett Community College.
With these new channels, students could be kept up to date with what is happening in their towns. In addition, plans for a video production program through the schools has become a bigger focus.
Interim Superintendent Dr. Stephen Hemman agreed with Mr. Markel, although he said implementing the program could present challenges.
“This is very important for students,” he said. “Unfortunately, the teacher who used to teach the classes on the equipment retired, and we’re having a hard time finding a replacement.”
Selectmen Chairman John Columbus, who served on the School Committee for a number of years, expressed his support for a dedicated education channel. “I’ve thought for a long time that it’d be great having a dedicated channel,” he said. “I think it opens up a ton of possibilities.”
Steve Castle, chairman of the Cable Advisory Committee, said he was glad to work with the school in any way he could, either through having a dedicated channel or sharing the one the town currently uses.
Templeton’s current contract with Comcast expires on Dec. 22 and Mr. Castle will be spending the up-and-coming months preparing a list of needs and wants of the town to present to Comcast.
With cable contracts generally running 10 years and with advancements in technology, Mr. Castle also said that this may be the town’s last chance to secure funding for bigger cable or Internet-related projects.
The Cable Advisory Committee will host two public hearings concerning the upcoming contract discussions on Monday, July 20, at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 160 Patriots Road.
Are you one of the people who gets irritated with cable T.V. ? This is your chance to speak up. Maybe a discount for seniors ? You don't know until you ask. One of the times I wanted to watch a movie this winter, I could not connect with on demand. I guess everyone in New England was thinking the same thing. We were having a snow storm, and no one was going anywhere. What good it it, if the only time I want to watch a movie the system is down ? Have questions like this ?? Go to the meeting Monday night at 2:00, or 6:30 if you work. I am sure if you send a e-mail to the Selectman's Office they will forward it for you. Bev.
ReplyDeleteAre you one of the people who gets irritated with cable T.V. ? This is your chance to speak up. Maybe a discount for seniors ? You don't know until you ask. One of the times I wanted to watch a movie this winter, I could not connect with on demand. I guess everyone in New England was thinking the same thing. We were having a snow storm, and no one was going anywhere. What good it it, if the only time I want to watch a movie the system is down ? Have questions like this ?? Go to the meeting Monday night at 2:00, or 6:30 if you work. I am sure if you send a e-mail to the Selectman's Office they will forward it for you. Bev.
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